The
REAL point here is the one about phasing out MTBE's. MTBE is a known carcinagen. As we drive more and more the emisions from MTBE laced fuels settle onto the ground and eventually find their way to the water supply.
I find it especially interesting that Californians are not concerned about their water if it means increased fuel prices. Ethanol can be produced from any sugar based substance,,, corn is readily available in the midwest and there are many small refineries cropping up there. Blemished fruit could just as easiliy be used to produce Ethanol in California.
It appears that whatever environmental benefits an oxygenate requirement had in the early 90s, they have weakened considerably since then as a more decisive role is played by improvements in auto emissions technology. My guess is that ethanol will continue to be used in growing.