It no mystery that we need to reduce our dependance on foriegn oil. U.S. consumption of oil makes us dependant or foriegn countries for resources and production of carbon dioxide from gas burning cars may contribute to cliamate change. Although climate change is still up for debate, I think it is safe to say that most Americans think we we need to find alternative sources of energy. The solution, at least at present: Ethanol.
The problem is most advocates of ethanol power fail to recognize reality. For those who don't know, Ethanol is made from plant matter, such as corn. Farmers love it as a source becuase it makes corn a cash crop and raises demand in the market. Additionally, it does reduce our dependance on foriegn products becuase we can grow lots of corn at home.
Although, ethanol use may seem good that is a faulty assumption. Even if every kernel of corn was converted into ethantol it would still only replace about 12% of the oil we consume. Additionally, reliance on ethanol and the political acceptance of ethanol fuel (yes Iowa the first state with a caucus is a major corn state) hinders the development of better technology. Furthermore people fail to realize that ethanol use raises costs in other areas like food prices (farmers convert to growing corn at the cost of other items), milk prices, and even beer prices.
The far better solution is to continue looking for alternative sources. Although the politican supporting ethanol can say he supports the farmers, he is very far from reducing dependance on foriegn oil. Here's a better clue. The last time I check America was surrounded by two major oceans. Time to put more money in technology and less money into appeasing the politcal agenda.
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