Recently, Sen. Jack Kibbie, D-Emmetsburg, indicated he will introduce a bill requiring 10 percent ethanol blends for highway use in Iowa. Ok, makes sense, right? After all, Iowa is the largest ethanol producer in the United States. However, Iowa has never required that the gas sold within the state contain ethanol. In fact, 31 states use a higher percentage of ethanol than this ethanol-producing state. And so, while I’m not picking on Iowa (big shout out to you, Iowa!) it makes me wonder about the ethanol debate in general.
I’m all for finding fuel alternatives, especially more environmentally friendly ones, but I’m also really big on getting the most bang for my driving buck, namely lower fuel costs and getting more miles per gallon. Is ethanol really the answer?
Proponents of ethanol point out that it’s a renewable fuel that’s domestically produced from agricultural means and its use results in less pollution and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Can’t argue with that.
Those opposed to ethanol point out that while its production and use are beneficial to American farmers and also for the environment, there are drawbacks. One is the price fluctuations. While the price is sometimes lower in the Midwest (where it’s predominately produced), it can be as much as 40 cents a gallon more on either coast.
Another big complaint is that ethanol contains less energy than gasoline. What does that mean exactly? It means your car won’t go as far on a gallon of E85 (ethanol blend). Your fuel economy will suffer by 20-30%. So even if you happen to pay a cheaper price per gallon for E85 (like if you live in the Midwest), you’ll have to fill your car more often, which doesn’t result in any savings. In fact, it could cost you more in the long run than using gasoline. In the future, advances in the technology used to produce ethanol may help it catch up in the fuel economy department, but for now it lags behind gasoline.
Clearly, I don’t have the answers. I want to help the environment. I want to help the American farmers. I want to find alternative fuels. But I also don’t want to spend more of my paycheck on fueling my car or have to fill the tank more often.
What do you think? To ethanol or not to ethanol?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting take. I would think most Americans would glady give up minimal fuel effieciency in order to keep their hard-earned dollar here in the United States. It’s crazy to think that the so called “greenies” wouldn’t support a fuel that is not only renewable, but also cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. I think American Citizens need to take long hard look at where their dollar is going when deciding what to fuel up on next time at the pump. Ethanol is providing rural jobs, a cleaner enviornment and is lessening the United States dependence on foreign oil.
A proposed ethanol pipeline from South Dakota to New Jersey would increase demand and lower ethanol prices in the New England States.
recently , I had to go over my boat with all new fuel lines and replace the fiberglass fuel tank .all of it was due to the ethanol that they said would be good for us. so i want to know why our great Gov.can’t find a way to help the boaters in this great land of our’s.