In a recent survey of about 1,500 U.S. motorists, more than half said they were unfamiliar with ethanol, with a similar number saying they pay little or no attention to the ethanol content of their gasoline. The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online June 28-July 5, surveyed 2,500 Americans with 1,526 respondents who commute to work with a personal vehicle. Most of the consumers were unaware of the fact that nearly all U.S. gasoline contains 10-percent ethanol or that higher blends of 15- and 85-percent ethanol exist.
The debate surrounding ethanol does not seem to resonate with consumers, though big oil companies, biofuel companies, environmentalist and farm groups spent $15 million in 2015 alone on lobbying around biofuels and related issues, according to a Reuters analysis of congressional lobbyist records. The $15 million does not include spending on advertising.
According to the poll, 93 percent stated price was a major influence in their decision while 80 percent said the location of a gas station was a priority. About four out of 10 Americans who drive to work said they did not know if ethanol was good for a vehicle’s general performance, while the rest appeared to be split about it. The same portion did not know if ethanol affected their mileage.
