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Non-Tech : $2 or higher gas - Can ethanol make a comeback?
DAR 32.72-0.2%12:13 PM EST
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To: richardred who wrote (283)5/28/2005 10:28:24 AM
From: Sam Citron  Read Replies (2) of 2801
 
Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., said the reductions in oil imports would amount to less than 1 percent when figuring in energy costs to make ethanol. Citing a government study conducted when oil prices were lower, she argued that the ethanol mandate would add nearly 2.4 cents a gallon to the price of gasoline...Feinstein also pointed to studies conducted in California showing that ethanol worsens smog, particularly on hot days.

Only a 1% reduction in oil imports? Is Sen. Feinstein misinformed? Does it really take that much energy to make ethanol (from corn)? If so, is waste heat commonly being used in the manufacturing process for ethanol? Have you seen a chart showing corn and petroleum prices on x and y axes showing a line above which it is economically viable to substitute ethanol? What about the Senator's pollution claim?

In discussing ethanol with some friends in both Pennsylvania and California who are normally quite well informed, the response was one of skepticism, the assumption being that the ethanol push was mainly a midwest farm lobby subsidy scheme. I sense there is a problem, at least outside the farm belt. Whether it is one of perception or reality I would like to know.

Sam
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