U.S. demand for Ethanol may contribute to an international food crisis in the near future!
Increased demand for crop-based fuels is forcing up the price of corn, wheat, and other grains. The need of alternative energy sources is putting pressure on food prices throughout the world and unleashing a unique source of inflationary pressure.
Global grain supplies are at their lowest level in over three decades. While current demand for grains for food is at an all time high and growing.
Most experts fear the situation will get worse if more crops are set aside to make ethanol or other forms of alternative energy.
Traditionally, U.S. corn crops have been the reliable source when other food sources were in short supply. That is no longer the case!
Showing posts with label Ethanol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ethanol. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Corn to Ethanol -- "The Unavoidable Truth"
As usual, Congress has ignored the 'Law of Unintended Consequences' with the move to Ethanol made from corn.
Some facts taken directly from USDA data and other government agencies:
1. A car which gets 30 mpg on Gasoline gets 20 mpg on Ethanol
2. At best, Ethanol will reduce petroleum imports by 2.6%
3. In 2006, Ethanol was subsidized at $2.21/gallon
4. Because coal is being burnt to distill the Ethanol, Greenhouse gases are greater than that of the gasoline replaced.
5. It takes about 80% as much energy to produce Ethanol as the energy one gets from the Ethanol
6. Ethanol requires special handling as it cannot be transported or stored in the same manner as is gasoline
7. Ethanol has almost zero Greenhouse gas benefit when used in cars newer than 1990 models
8. The cost of corn has already doubled and is expected to do so again
9. Ethanol from corn is causing the cost of nearly all foods to increase
10. Rain Forest are being cut as Brazil and other South American countries prepare to export Ethanol to the U.S.A.
In summary, one must conclude that there was/is no economic benefit, no Greenhouse gas reduction, or OPEC independence, reason(s) for Congress to have adopted an Ethanol from corn policy.
Some argue that as technology improves the cost of Ethanol will be reduced. This makes no sense as Ethanol is merely 200 proof corn whiskey. We have been distilling whiskey for over two hundred years—how much more is there to learn?
Some facts taken directly from USDA data and other government agencies:
1. A car which gets 30 mpg on Gasoline gets 20 mpg on Ethanol
2. At best, Ethanol will reduce petroleum imports by 2.6%
3. In 2006, Ethanol was subsidized at $2.21/gallon
4. Because coal is being burnt to distill the Ethanol, Greenhouse gases are greater than that of the gasoline replaced.
5. It takes about 80% as much energy to produce Ethanol as the energy one gets from the Ethanol
6. Ethanol requires special handling as it cannot be transported or stored in the same manner as is gasoline
7. Ethanol has almost zero Greenhouse gas benefit when used in cars newer than 1990 models
8. The cost of corn has already doubled and is expected to do so again
9. Ethanol from corn is causing the cost of nearly all foods to increase
10. Rain Forest are being cut as Brazil and other South American countries prepare to export Ethanol to the U.S.A.
In summary, one must conclude that there was/is no economic benefit, no Greenhouse gas reduction, or OPEC independence, reason(s) for Congress to have adopted an Ethanol from corn policy.
Some argue that as technology improves the cost of Ethanol will be reduced. This makes no sense as Ethanol is merely 200 proof corn whiskey. We have been distilling whiskey for over two hundred years—how much more is there to learn?
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