How different would the United States be if it were not energy dependent on Middle Eastern nations? The United States is estimated to have used over “18.6 million barrels per day (MMbd) of petroleum products during 2012.” ("How dependent are we on foreign oil?"). The United States' dependence on oil has caused serious difficulties regarding its military and economic status. However, US biochemists have discovered new ways to reduce US dependence on foreign oil. By fermenting and distilling corn sugars, biochemists can create an organic compound called bioethanol (or denatured ethanol) that, when mixed with conventional gasoline, can power cars. Environmentalists have said ethanol could be more harmful to the atmosphere than traditional gasoline. Additionally, auto manufacturers have noted that the use of ethanol can cause problems with automobile engines. Does the benefit of America's energy dependence outweigh the alleged harmful consequences of ethanol use? Ethanol is usually combined with traditional gasoline to create “gasohol,” or gasoline and alcohol. “In fact, one-third of the gasoline sold in the United States is blended with ethanol.” (Giametta) According to the US Department of Energy, adding ethanol reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon emissions occur when the car's fuel combustion is not completely completed. Incomplete combustion can produce carbon, carbon monoxide and other chemicals. Ethanol is made up of 30% oxygen. Adding oxygen produces more complete fuel combustion; therefore, it would reduce the amount of carbon emissions. There are two types of ethanol gas that can run regular, unmodified cars: E10 and E15. E10 has a concentration of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol, while E15 has a concentration of 85% gasoline and 15% ethanol. However, there are specially modified cars, called