In today's episode, I interview Al Jessel, co-chair of the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) about a plan being considered by the EPA which would raise the amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 or 20 percent. Use the audio player below to listen to information about the article and follow along with the show notes. I hope you find the podcast informative.

00:16 If you fill your own gasoline tank, you've probably seen a sign on the pump indicating the fuel could contain up to 10 percent ethanol. Ethanol, which in this country is made primarily from corn, is a fuel additive that boosts octane and changes other properties of the fuel. Most engines are designed for E10, gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol, but at levels higher than that, it can become problematic. S... more »

Last weekend I was having a very pleasant conversation with my neighbors when the subject turned to the oil spill and the need for alternative energy. One neighbor said, "The oil companies don't want us to use alternative energy so they've bought all of the best technologies."

You've probably heard that old saw. It's one of several "urban myths" that have been circulating throughout America for several years. It's not true.

The oil and natural gas industry invests in emerging energy technologies for the purpose of bringing them to the marketplace. For example, the industry's investments in biofuels alone total more than $13 billion. Oil companies today are making renewable diesel from tallow; creating ethanol from sugarcane, waste products and algae; and geo-engineering special microbes to... more »