The 1980s heard the cry that it was necessary to conserve energy. Politics in the eastern oil producing nations raised the price of oil and gasoline so high that other sources of energy were being explored. One of these is a product called Gasohol.
It was first made available in the area on February 1, 1980 at the Farmers Union Oil Company in Carrington.
"Gasohol is a trade name for a fuel mixture of gasoline and ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and is a mixture of 90% gasoline (usually unleaded) and 10% alcohol.
No adjustments were necessary to engines or timing with this mixture.
The alcohol is made primarily from grain crops such as wheat and corn, but can also be made from sugar beets and other crops."
Some advantages were that the engines were reported to run smoother and no de‑icer was needed in the winter season because the alcohol content took care of the moisture. It is a cleaner fuel, reducing engine dirt and deposits and produces few exhaust problems, particularly carbon monoxide.
Gasohol was being researched because it could reduce dependence on foreign oil. Also, the alcohol content is a renewable resource. Ethanol is produced from crops, which unlike fossil fuels can be cultivated to replace spent stocks.
Some by‑products of gasohol are animal feed, and carbon dioxide which are also useful products.
Tests are still being conducted to find out the feasibility of the product.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 124