Like many of your readers, I recently traveled to visit family for the Thanksgiving holiday. While on the road, I came across an unexpected discovery — an improved fueling option that is not yet available to drivers here in Maine.

After going a little research, I found that E15, gasoline made with 5 percent more ethanol than most standard gasoline, is sold in 28 other states and works well in all cars made in 2001 and newer. I was curious to give it a try.

E15 incorporates more American-made biofuels into our fuel supply. The results for Maine will be a cleaner environment since ethanol lowers emissions and has already replaced toxic fuel additives that were polluting our air and waterways, without reducing performance. More ethanol means less reliance on foreign oil and should keep prices lower then at the pump. I’ve heard a lot of myths on ethanol, but everything I’ve now read and experienced is all positive.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also recently announced that more biofuels would be mixed into the fuel supply in 2017, thus ensuring America’s commitment to clean energy. This is a step forward for our country and I hope drivers here in Maine will be able to experience its benefits just as it is available in more than half of the U.S. currently.

Roy Grice

Belgrade