WASHINGTON, D.C.--Many people believe that ethanol can cause your car serious engine damage. That's one reason U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker is working to keep more of the substance out of your tank. Though some have disputed the research, Wicker said in a press release that ethanol does several kinds of damage:

The higher blend of ethanol has been found to cause engine damage, reduce fuel efficiency, and contribute to higher corn prices and rising food costs for American consumers.

The higher blend he's talking about comes from waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), giving some companies permission to put as much as 15 percent ethanol in gasoline blends.

Wicker and Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) have submitted a bill that would overturn that and put limits of ethanol belnds to 10 percent.

“EPA’s flawed waivers allowing E15 amount to government bureaucrats issuing short-sighted regulations that negatively impact families and businesses across the country,” said Wicker, a member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. “The concerns surrounding E15 that existed prior to the waivers have increased instead of diminishing.”

“Whether you drive a car, truck, boat, or tractor, misfueling with E15 could result in engine failure, increased emissions, and the voiding of warranty coverage,” said Vitter. “It is irresponsible for EPA to allow E15 without sufficient testing and technical analysis. I support an all-inclusive energy strategy, but experimenting before understanding the consequences and potential cost of using E15 is unfair to consumers.”

The EPA issued two waivers to permit the use of E15. The first, in 2010, was for use in cars and light trucks model year 2007 or later. The second, in 2011, allowed E15 to be used in vehicles model year 2001 to 2006.