I have used ethanol/gasoline blends in my vehicles on and off for years. I consistently get about 10% less miles per gallon using an ethanol blend than with using straight gasoline. If the purpose of making ethanol a motor fuel additive is to reduce oil consumption how does a 10% ethanol blend that gives 10% less miles per gallon save anything?
It is NOT REALLY.
"..how does a 10% ethanol blend that gives 10% less miles per gallon save anything?"
The real push behind all the ethanol was started by the producers of corn (farmers and farmer co-ops) to enhance the price they received for corn.
They essentially went out and invented a market for corn that didn't exist, which increased their profits.
Now that there is a market, we find that the inevitable has occurred; other countries have stepped in to sell corn as well.
The "lawgivers" of midwestern states have attempted to mandate the use of ethanol as a pay-back to their constituents who helped get them elected.