subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Mon, Oct 06 2008 

Published: May 16, 2008 02:59 pm    print this story   email this story   comment on this story  

GUEST EDITORIAL: Second thoughts on ethanol

Ethanol, once hailed as an alternative to high gas and oil prices with spinoff benefits, is drawing a backlash as food prices soar and environmental consequences emerge.

Recently 24 Republican senators asked the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider regulations requiring ethanol production to increase by five times, to 36 billion gallons, by 2022. Currently ethanol accounts for about 5 percent of the nation’s fuel supply, but that would rise to 22 percent over the next 15 years.

The EPA can waive the renewable-fuel requirements if it determines that they cause harm.

Ethanol is a corn-based gasoline additive. Its production has been encouraged by federal subsidies along with tariffs on foreign supplies. However, it also siphons off food supplies to meet fuel demands, creating corn shortages and contributing to the rising price of corn and other products dependent on it.

“This subsidized (ethanol) program — paid for by taxpayer dollars — has contributed to pain at the cash register, at the dining room table, and a devastating food crisis throughout the world,” Sen. John McCain, GOP presidential candidate, said.

The lawmakers have support from some large food companies such as Kraft, which has hired a lobbyist to argue against using corn in biofuels. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, is seeking a 50 percent waiver from the renewable fuel requirements.

But food prices aren’t the only cause for concern. Ethanol, which has been touted as an environmentally sound alternative to gasoline, has its own adverse consequences. It requires more energy to manufacture, and cars get lower gas mileage with it. Ethanol also costs more than gas — all reasons to take another look at food-to-fuel mandates.

— The Watertown Daily Times

print this story   email this story   comment on this story  

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.



monster
wheels
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Featured Jobs

MACHINIST

Niagara County company seeks experienced CNC Milling and Turning Center programming and set up machinist. 1st and
...>MORE

COORDINATOR OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES
COORDINATOR of Volunteer Services, Compeer Niagara program, Mental Health Assoc. Full Time. Experienced in all aspects ...>MORE

CLERK/BILLER
AUTOMOTIVE Title Clerk/Biller, Experience preferred. Full time w/benefits, Apply at Mike Smith Buick, 6014 S. Transit R...>MORE

LOAN OFFICER
Cornerstone Community FCU
Is seeking individuals for the following positions

Loan Officer - Full-Time...>MORE

COUNTERPERSON
MEDICAL Receptionist. Immediate full/part time opening. Fax resume to 716-285-2497....>MORE

RN SUPERVISOR
RN SUPERVISOR

Newfane Rehabilitation & Health Care Center is currently seeking a full-time, 3pm-11pm RN Super
...>MORE

AMHERST BABY & CHILDCARE

DAY CARE Pre K Teacher & Assistant
Millersport Hwy
Call 716-688-2068.
...>MORE

PARTS INSTALLER
Auto Accessories Installer Part Time. Primarily remote starter. Make your own schedule. Image Collisions 716-433-0464...>MORE

MEDICAL RECORDS FILER
ELECTRONIC
MEDICAL RECORDS FILER:
Available immediately for busy spinal office in Lockport. Part Time. Knowl
...>MORE

SALES REP
Join us at our
Open House Job Fair!

Great opportunities available with
GREAT BENEFITS!

R
...>MORE

See all ads

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2008. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index