A Bad Nebraskan
Am I a bad Nebraskan for not being giddy about President Bush’s call in his State of the Union Address for substantially more biofuels? Nebraskans are supposed to be singing a happy song because ethanol is great for the state. But I’m just not sold on ethanol, or at least not corn-based ethanol. Ethanol is more expensive per mile, and producing it takes a ton of water. Plus, diverting so much acreage to energy instead of food (or from other crops to corn) will raise food prices on countless products.
I want to be pro-ethanol. It’s the Cornhusker-y thing to do. But somebody is going to have to convince me.
Now, if President Bush had said “We need to make substantial investments in nuclear power to ensure low-cost, safe, environmentally-friendly energy for decades to come” I would have fainted. Then I would have applauded like mad.
The Comments
Mr. T January 24, 2007 at 9:56am
Ethanol is horrible.
jwiltshire January 24, 2007 at 10:45am
I’ll put sugar in my tank before I put corn in my tank.
beerorkid January 24, 2007 at 10:55am
I IM with a guy from Brazil often. I asked a bunch about their energy independence and sugar cane fuel. Of course sugar cane is waaaaaaaaaaaay better than corn ethanol, but it is still not perfect.
Most cars over there are flex fuel and depending on the market for the sugar decides which fuel you use.
Fletch January 24, 2007 at 6:48pm
I am still holding out for my Flux Capacitor. That is all.
meatball January 25, 2007 at 3:27pm
I burn nothing but E-10, and my car couldn’t be happier.
Karin January 25, 2007 at 8:46pm
Is ethanol bad for your car? I never know what to believe.
I keep thinking that over time, ethanol production will get cheaper and more cost efficient. Maybe that’s just idealism.
Mr. Wilson January 25, 2007 at 8:54pm
Is ethanol bad for your car? I never know what to believe.
I’m not sure about it being “bad” for your car, but it is a less efficient fuel so your mileage will drop.
I keep thinking that over time, ethanol production will get cheaper and more cost efficient. Maybe that’s just idealism.
Right now demand is winning over supply, so prices are staying up. I wouldn’t look for prices to drop too much (relative to regular gasoline) anytime soon.
Fletch January 26, 2007 at 12:18am
The thing I don’t get is how at some stations, the Ethanol blend is a dime more than regular unleaded, and at others it’s a dime less. How does that work, exactly?
beerorkid January 26, 2007 at 12:24am
I figure since it is not a major industry yet the prices fluctuate a bunch.
My friend in Brazil mentioned how people just know about what is most efficient considering the less milage you get with the ethanol fuel. It is almost second nature what to fill their flex fuel cars with based on the different prices at the pump.
I am sure you have seen that tortilla prices in Mexico have hit highs lately. It has some to do with corn based ethanol in the states.
Thing is the future holds the key. people do not want to drive Ford Festiva’s but do want economical vehicles.
Corn based ethanol has issues, we will find better solutions.
I would love to see sugar cane or more sugar beets grown in NE. Corn is so 1995
Mr. Wilson January 27, 2007 at 8:54pm
More on ethanol