Ethanol Pipe Dream
The ethanol issue is a wonderful example of delusional and self-serving government, pipe dreaming about energy independence.
Economists argue that making ethanol from corn wouldn’t make any sense without the government’s help. The mix of federal and state subsidies to corn ethanol amounted to a conservative estimate of $5 billion to $7 billion in 2006, says Koplow of Earth Track. A considerable chunk of that money comes from the 51¢ tax refund for each gallon of ethanol refiners blend with gasoline to make fuels that can power flexible-fuel cars.
At the same time, the government imposes a 54¢-per-gallon tariff on ethanol from Brazil, which is a cheaper and more energy-efficient product made from sugar cane. Some economists say American politicians are subordinating smart energy policy for political support in key states like Iowa.
I’m all for energy alternatives. If ethanol is worth it’s weight in corn, let it speak for itself. Let it compete with other technologies in a free market with no subsidies and the most efficient will prevail.
March 27th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Dear Manunderstress:
The idea of making ethanol from corn sounds encouraging but there is something more abundant that we could use for an alternative fuel. See below:
Animal Waste as Energy
Some power plants have been designed to produce methane gas by digestion of animal manure. The way that digestion works is that the dung from cows, pigs, chickens, and any other farm animals is put into airtight tanks called digesters. Bacteria is then broken down and eventually produces methane gas. The methane is then taken away to remove the nasty smell that it produces and then dried and filtered. The fuel is then burnt for steam production so it can force turbines to turn and create electricity.
Now as fantastic as that sounds, I’ve got an even better source for alternative fuel. Ready kids?
How about using Bullshit!
I know you don’t think there is a way to harness the raw power of Bullshit to run our many cars and SUVs. I disagree, and considering the fact that a lot of assholes drive cars and SUVs there is an abundance of sources from which to derive all of the needed Bullshit.
Genius, I know.
Your biggest Fan
Tally Whacker