Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a high-proof form of grain alcohol. It is produced by removing starch from a carbohydrate-based feedstockFeedstock: A raw material used for industrial processing., such as corn, converting the starch into sugar and fermenting it with yeast. Ethanol can be used as an effective octane-boosting fuel additive or as a stand-alone fuel.

• OctaneOctane: a fuel additive that prevents engine knocking. When fuel combusts from compression instead of ignition, it causes engine knocking. enhancer: Ethanol can be added to gasoline to increase its octane ratingOctane rating: The octane rating of a fuel is indicated on the pump—using numbers such as 87, 90, 91, etc. The higher the number, the greater the octane rating of the gasoline. The octane rating represents the "antiknock" properties of the fuel. The higher the number, the slower the fuel burns—and the less likely your engine will knock. Ethanol typically adds two to three octane numbers when blended with ordinary gasoline—making it a cost-effective octane-enhancer.. Pure ethanol has an average octane rating of 113.
• Environmentally friendly fuel: When ethanol is added to gasoline, it reduces tailpipe emissions, which results in cleaner air.
• Valuable blend component: Blending ethanol with gasoline helps extend the amount of fuel available for the nation's transportation needs.
• Gasoline alternative: Ethanol is the primary component of E85, an alternative to gasoline. All Flexible Fuel VehiclesFlexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV): A car or truck that can run on any blend of unleaded gasoline with up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). If you own an FFV, you do not have to fill up with E85 every time. A computer in the fuel system automatically compensates for the varying levels of ethanol in the fuel to assure optimum performance at all times., or engines that have an E85 conversion kit, can run on E85.

• Renewable: Because ethanol is produced from corn, each new year means a new corn crop and more ethanol.
• Burns cleaner than gasoline: Reduces harmful tailpipe emissions.
• Domestically Produced: Enhances the nation's energy security.
• Learn more about ethanol's advantages.

The production of ethanol does require energy. However, the input is significantly less than the output. According to the USDA, for every unit of energy put into the production of ethanol and its co-products, 1.77 units of energy are produced. In addition, and where available, Panda Ethanol is intent on using inexpensive and renewable sources of energy, such as cattle manure, to fuel production in its ethanol refineries. Using cattle manure instead of non-renewable natural gas saves energy and can be more cost efficient.

Many people are already using ethanol but are unaware of it. Given its environmental benefits, E10E10: a blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. E10 is a fuel additive that reduces engine knocking and promotes cleaner air. E-10 Unleaded is approved for use by every major automaker in the world., is already available at many local filling stations. Pumps will say "enriched with ethanol."

E85E85: a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E85 is a fuel alternative that burns more cleanly than gasoline. It is used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles. is available at some filling stations. View this state-by-state guide, http://www.e85refueling.com/, to find the E85 refueling location nearest you. If your local gas station doesn't carry E85, encourage them to make clean-burning, renewable ethanol available to you as a customer.