Ethanol’s future still up in the air after federal decision

The Clinton Administration wants to phase out M-T-B-E, the “Big Oil” fuel additive that’s a competitor of corn-based ethanol. However, the Administration appears ready to waive the requirement that fuel pumped in the nation’s smoggiest cities have an additive like ethanol to reduce emissions. Paula Chizek, communications manager for the Iowa Corn Growers Association, says eliminating M-T-B-E is good news.However, Chizek is concerned the Clinton Administration for backing away from the Clean Air requirement that could help the ethanol industry win a huge market share in places like California. Three Iowa Congressman are co-sponsoring a bill which would ban M-T-B-E within three years. In addition, the bill would forbid California and other states from getting out of the Clean Air Act requirements.U-S-D-A officials estimate corn prices would go up 14-cents per bushel if M-T-B-E is banned and ethanol is used as its substitute. M-T-B-E is incredibly toxic, and a small amount can and has contaminated water in places like California.