UA prefers ethanol's benefits over inefficiencies

The University of Arizona switched many of the vehicles in its fleet to E85 in August. Despite an unflattering test in Consumer Reports that shows E85 is less fuel efficient, university officials say they'll keep using the cleaner-burning mix. A university official said fuel economy is 10 percent less than with gasoline (which skeptics would challenge since most tests, including the CR review, reveal at least a 25 to 30 percent drop in fuel economy). A check of the Tucson prices showed E85 only a few pennies less than gas, so the switch is a money-loser on the bottom line to the university, even at the 10-percent reduction in mileage. Officials stress that there are other benefits to consider and with expanded use of ethanol there will be a "substantial impact on improving air quality."

[Source: Arizona Daily Star]