No real environmentalist ever thought ethanol was a solution to global warming. The use of ethanol as fuel came from Agri-business lobbying congress to use ethanol to replace oil imports back when we got most of our oil from the middle east.
As a classic car nut, and an Environmental Coordinator, with degrees in biology, the corn ethanol “solution” was the dumbest thing ever done since the 55 mph national speed limit on cars DESIGNED to be most efficient at between 60 and 70 mph on the highway. (lighter, better aero, and gearing and engine design like variable valve timing and cylinder selection).
My classic btw cannot run ethanol, or it destroys the carburetors, not just a matter of worse mileage.
However to the toon as well,eutrophic lakes and rivers are NOT good things, and our ag practices, along with climate change caused by OUR actions, are leading to more disasters, and if nothing is done, it will only get worse. Lethaly.
Harley, yes, fracking HAS been used in some places quite safely, for yes, decades. HOWEVER: it has also led to horrible consequences and damage to watersheds and lands in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and other places. The oil/gas companies were allowed to rewrite regulations during the “W” administration, just as for offshore oil drilling, and the consequences are potentially very dangerous.
As to wetlands? 90%+ of the original wetlands in the United States have been eliminated, notably, the most critical and sensitive ones, because they made the mistake of being where folks (mostly rich) or corporate entities wanted to build residences, communities, and yes, factories and nuclear plants close to water. Likewise, over 90% of original forest lands have also been harvested, and second or third growth plantations etc do NOT present the biodiversity of the originals.(Making them MORE vulnerable to disease, insects, and fire.)
As the old stupid margarine ad said, “It’s not nice to (try to) fool Mother Nature.”
We won’t get rid of corn-made ethanol. Corn grows in Iowa. Iowa has the first caucuses to vote for a presidential candidate. So we can’t alienate farmers in Iowa, regardless of how worthless ethanol fuel is.
So your theory is that the fertilizer in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, where the bulk of corn is grown, is washed into the Mississippi river valley, from which is travels upstream until it comes to the the Ohio river, and then it goes further upstream and follows the tributaries of that river upstream, climbs out on land, runs across the ground and crosses the divide into the smaller streams feeding Lake Erie, whence it causes a green algae bloom?.You’re right. The theory of climate change is based on very bad scientific thinking!
BaltoBill over 9 years ago
No real environmentalist ever thought ethanol was a solution to global warming. The use of ethanol as fuel came from Agri-business lobbying congress to use ethanol to replace oil imports back when we got most of our oil from the middle east.
retpost over 9 years ago
I use gas from stations that use No ETHANOL: cost 10%more but 20% increase in millage.
vwdualnomand over 9 years ago
but, cheap gas. to some people, gas is more important than water
Dtroutma over 9 years ago
As a classic car nut, and an Environmental Coordinator, with degrees in biology, the corn ethanol “solution” was the dumbest thing ever done since the 55 mph national speed limit on cars DESIGNED to be most efficient at between 60 and 70 mph on the highway. (lighter, better aero, and gearing and engine design like variable valve timing and cylinder selection).
My classic btw cannot run ethanol, or it destroys the carburetors, not just a matter of worse mileage.
However to the toon as well,eutrophic lakes and rivers are NOT good things, and our ag practices, along with climate change caused by OUR actions, are leading to more disasters, and if nothing is done, it will only get worse. Lethaly.
Dtroutma over 9 years ago
Harley, yes, fracking HAS been used in some places quite safely, for yes, decades. HOWEVER: it has also led to horrible consequences and damage to watersheds and lands in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and other places. The oil/gas companies were allowed to rewrite regulations during the “W” administration, just as for offshore oil drilling, and the consequences are potentially very dangerous.
As to wetlands? 90%+ of the original wetlands in the United States have been eliminated, notably, the most critical and sensitive ones, because they made the mistake of being where folks (mostly rich) or corporate entities wanted to build residences, communities, and yes, factories and nuclear plants close to water. Likewise, over 90% of original forest lands have also been harvested, and second or third growth plantations etc do NOT present the biodiversity of the originals.(Making them MORE vulnerable to disease, insects, and fire.)
As the old stupid margarine ad said, “It’s not nice to (try to) fool Mother Nature.”
I Play One On TV over 9 years ago
We won’t get rid of corn-made ethanol. Corn grows in Iowa. Iowa has the first caucuses to vote for a presidential candidate. So we can’t alienate farmers in Iowa, regardless of how worthless ethanol fuel is.
Dave Ferro over 9 years ago
The circle of life….
Michael Peterson Premium Member over 9 years ago
So your theory is that the fertilizer in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, where the bulk of corn is grown, is washed into the Mississippi river valley, from which is travels upstream until it comes to the the Ohio river, and then it goes further upstream and follows the tributaries of that river upstream, climbs out on land, runs across the ground and crosses the divide into the smaller streams feeding Lake Erie, whence it causes a green algae bloom?.You’re right. The theory of climate change is based on very bad scientific thinking!