There has been an EPA requirement to add oxygenates to gas in densely populated areas. MTBE was the 1st choice until someone pointed out that it was 'worse than the cure'. Ethanol was the replacement of choice, so it does have some ring of truth.

As best I can learn, only the Los Angeles area currently adds ethanol to
auto fuel - 1.8 to 2.3%.

http://www.epa.gov/regs/fuel/420b05013

Al