A recent letter to the Wall Street Journal reveals a critical flaw in the argument for E15 ethanol fuel. While Jed Bower claims drivers can save 10 to 30 cents per gallon at the pump, the letter's author points out a fundamental problem with this math.

Ethanol delivers roughly two-thirds the energy content of pure gasoline, meaning vehicles travel fewer miles per gallon with E15 blends. This energy density gap forces drivers to fill up more frequently, effectively negating much of the apparent price advantage. The debate centers on whether consumers truly benefit from cheaper per-gallon costs.

Mike Woosley's response highlights how agricultural advocates often overlook fuel efficiency when promoting ethanol policies. The broader implications affect everything from 15% ethanol blend adoption rates to government renewable fuel standards that mandate increasing biofuel volumes.

For budget-conscious drivers, the real question becomes whether frequent refueling stops and reduced driving range justify the modest upfront savings. The energy penalty makes E15 a complex economic proposition rather than the clear bargain its proponents suggest.