EPA vs. Ethanol

[Don M.]

The EPA is starting to take a 2nd look at Ethanol, and whether or not that gasoline additive is worth it. This is One Battle that I hope the EPA wins. Ethanol was supposed to be the "cure all" for rising gasoline prices, and pollution a few years ago, but it has proven to be of little value for either. The Only ones who have benefited from Ethanol production are farmers who have mass produced corn for Ethanol production, and reduced their yields of food crops...thus driving food prices higher. Ethanol reduces a cars fuel mileage, and those who have tried E85 report abysmal fuel mileage....so there has been little or no reduction in automotive pollution. The auto manufacturers have given us engines that are far more fuel efficient, and with this oil glut, there is little or no reason to continue to put 10%, or more, Ethanol in our fuel. Besides, Ethanol acts as a solvent to "scrub" the piston/cylinder area of an engine...thus, potentially causing premature engine wear and damage. Small engine manufacturers...lawn mowers, chainsaws, weed whackers, boat motors, etc., have all cautioned against using Ethanol, as it can really zap those smaller, less sophisticated engines.

I am all for anything that improves the environment and reduces pollution...but Ethanol has NOT been the "boon" it was supposed to be.

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-epa-s-growing-battle-with-the-corn-and-ethanol-industry

 

[WhatInThe]

Cut down on gas use and emissions but dump more cleaners & solvents into the atmosphere cleaning the residue ethanol & gas can leave in an engine/fuel system.

 

[imp]

MTBE (Methyl-Tertiary Butyl Ether) was imposed for some years as an "oxygenator", until it was found to be carcinogenic (after the fact!). Possibly the best answer is Hydrogen fuel, but I personally cast aspersion on it based on the dangers involved. Ever watch the Space Shuttle Hydrogen disaster? Technological "perfection" gone wrong. imp

 

[Don M.]

Hydrogen fuel would be an answer to ridding ourselves from the pollution of fossil fuels, for transportation. Water, reduced to its components, then turned back into water when used, would virtually eliminate pollution. However, like you say, in the event of an accident on the highway, it could be quite a "bomb". The logistics of providing refueling stations would also be a major project. Perhaps, with the dawn of "self driving" cars, the rate of accidents would plummet. I think the future lies in electric cars...IF a battery can be developed that would extend the range to 3 or 4 hundred miles, and be rechargeable in minutes....coupled with a massive growth of solar or wind, etc., electrical generation. At the rate some of these technologies are being developed, the "face" of transportation could change substantially in coming decades.