[The Vector] Opposing Ethanol

Thirty-six industry and environmental groups signed and sent an urgent letter to the Senate, urging opposition to any amendment in the upcoming Energy Bill that would increase ethanol in gasoline. Some are apparently seeking approval in Congress to increase ethanol in gasoline from the current 10% up to 15%. The press  release pointed out that NPRA (National Petrochemical & Refiners Association) was among the signatories against such a move.

If ethanol is increased, fears include increasing emissions from engines using ethanol, hurting gasoline-powered engines, defeating emissions control devices and safety risks. The group cites Section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act that mandates a detailed scientific review be made before new fuels, additives or blends be introduced into commerce. They state that passing the change would put politics over science and consumer safety, and would be bad public policy.

Why am I personally not a fan of corn-based ethanol? Corn erodes soil 19 times faster than it can reform; most corn is fertilized with nitrogen fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides made from fossil fuels; a gallon of corn-based ethanol requires 785 gallons of water to irrigate and grow, while a gallon of fas used only 2.5 gallons of water in the refining process; it takes more energy to produce ethanol than what is gotten from it, and ethanol produces only 12% less greenhouse gases than gasoline. When prices in corn increase through demand for ethanol, it spills over into the food supply chain, affecting everyone but especially poorer countries. Consumers can end up paying more at the grocer as do farmers who use corn-based animal feed.