Ethanol takes a hit in studies
A number of scientists at research universities around the U.S. are coming out of the woodwork to rain on the Big 3's parade with doubts about the environmental benefits of ethanol. According to a report by the Associated Press, scientists are also debunking the theory that ethanol could provide a dramatic shift away from the United States' dependence on foreign oil, citing that only 12 percent of our fuel supply could come from ethanol even if every acre of corn were harvested for the purpose of making E85, feeding the fear that a competition could arise between the use of corn for fuel versus food.
But all hope is not lost, say the scientists. Alternatives, such as inedible materials like switchgrass and woody plants used to produce cellulosic ethanol, provide more environmental benefits, more energy and don't put a strain on the nation's food supply. We just have to get the technology out of the laboratory and into vehicles.
[Source: Associated Press via the Detroit Free Press]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Razib Ahmed 9:42AM (7/11/2006)
"scientists are also debunking the theory that ethanol could provide a dramatic shift away from the United States' dependence on foreign oil, citing that only 12 percent of our fuel supply could come from ethanol even if every acre of corn were harvested for the purpose of making E85, feeding the fear that a competition could arise between the use of corn for fuel versus food."
These are very early days for ethanol and it is natural that more advanced research production of ethanol will increase significantly.
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David Beach 9:47AM (7/11/2006)
All the hype about new and better sources of ethanol and bio desael well may be true. But the simple fact is that untill it is in the economic interest of the ethanol industry to switch from corn it will not.
The "Greening of Ameriva" is still driven by a proffit motive.
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Stphane Dumas 10:06AM (7/11/2006)
there was an article on CNN news dated from late June about ethanol or more precisely cellulostic ethanol at http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/21/news/economy/cellulose_ethanol/index.htm it's titled "Super ethanol is on its way"
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