A temporary federal fuel rule designed to lower gas prices could bring unintended air quality risks this summer, according to RochesterFirst, prompting researchers to closely monitor conditions across New York.
The Environmental Protection Agency allowed gas stations to sell fuel containing up to 15% ethanol instead of the standard 10% blend beginning May 1. Cornell researcher Jillian Goldfarb said the higher-ethanol fuel offers only modest savings for drivers while increasing the potential for ground-level ozone, a key ingredient in smog.
Researchers say the impact will depend largely on weather conditions, particularly heat waves and high-ozone days. Even if most Rochester-area stations continue selling standard fuel, emissions from regions to the west could still affect local air quality as pollution moves eastward.
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