The use of ethanol for fuel was widespread in Europe and the United States until the early 1900s (Illinois Corn Growers’ Association/Illinois Corn Marketing Board). Because it became more expensive to produce than petroleum-based fuel, especially after World War II, ethanol’s potential was largely ignored until the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s. One response to the embargo was increased use of the fuel extender “gasohol ” (or E-10), a mixture of one part ethanol made from corn mixed with nine parts gasoline. Because gasohol was made from a renewable farm product, it was seen in the United States as a way to reduce energy dependence on foreign suppliers
