Substitution of alcohol fuels for conventional fuels will increase the number of jobs in fuel production, distribution, and handling industries. Alcohol fuels are expected to cost more than gasoline over the next 10 years.

As a result, vehicle-operating costs will be somewhat higher if alco­hol blends are used. The price of alcohol blends varies significantly, depending upon the type of alcohol and feedstock used. Blends con­taining methanol derived from coal are the least expensive. The most expensive are alcohol blends containing ethanol produced from corn.

7.10.4 Transportation and infrastructure impacts

The existing fuel distribution system must be modified and expanded to accommodate the increasing use of alcohol fuels in the long run. The changes required will include construction of new pipelines, storage facilities, and retrofitting of existing facilities with alcohol-compatible pumps, hoses, valves, and other components.

The vehicle support services such as refueling, maintenance, repairs, and vehicle sales will be unaffected by the use of alcohol fuels. The use of alcohol fuels is not expected to have a significant impact on the exist­ing transportation system infrastructure.