The possible switch in the Mid-Atlantic States to ethanol was rumored in February 2006.  By the end of May the switch was complete, except for a few pockets of resistance.  The rapid changeover seems to have occurred with little discussion of the possible short and long-term environmental impacts of the switch to ethanol.  The bio fuels production and corn grower lobbies had been working long and hard on the issue.  The ground-water industry concerns did not reach the level of public or legislative concern.The potential ground-water impacts associated with the use of ethanol may be greater than those with MTBE.  The authors will discuss the current environmental concerns and present field data associated with the use of ethanol at several locations.  The primary concerns with ethanol are product compatibility with storage and dispensing systems, ethanol effects on previous and new gasoline releases, and laboratory sampling procedures and accuracy.  The goal of the paper is to demonstrate how public policy was shaped and implemented relatively rapidly with little concern for the potential negative impacts to ground-water users.  It appears that public policy concerning ethanol has followed the previous path of MTBE acceptance as the fuel oxygenate of choice.  Will ethanol use follow a similar path?  Will future releases and litigation force the petroleum industry and regulators to seek another alternative? Technical and public policy discussions concerning the use of ethanol need to continue in concert with field data and demonstrations.