KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas announced Wednesday the Environmental Protection Agency approved the state's request to sell E15 gasoline this summer.
It gives drivers a cheaper option at the pump — up to a quarter per gallon savings.
"Less expensive, environmentally friendly and made by local farmers," said Ron Seeber, Renew Kansas Biofuels Association president and CEO.
Seeber says the gasoline is blended with 15% ethanol, which is what makes the fuel cheaper and cleaner.
Some KC-area mechanics KSHB 41 spoke with say E15 could cause problems in older, more sensitive engines.
But others say drivers who switch will be OK, adding Americans already burn billions of gallons of E10 fuel every year which is composed of only a 5% difference.
"You don't want to go over 15 for sure," said Hardy Christensen, owner of Anders Automotive. "But do I say it's okay? Yes. As an enthusiast, we love it. It's a really high-octane fuel and you won't really notice a fuel economy loss at only 15%."
For anyone driving a vehicle from 2001 or newer, mechanics give the green light.
"Especially if you're getting on the road and burning it right away and you're not parking your car for a year, the more you burn it's not going to hurt your car," Christensen said.
