In
that we supply farmers I seriously doubt that it takes a half gallon of fossil
fuel to produce a bushel of corn, but when I find someone who knows I will
report.
Ethanol is a good part of the solution, we just have to make sure it is
economic.
Ethanol is also part of the solution for clean air.
I agree with Duane Peterson and
Tom Severson.
A major problem in improving
the environment is that some so-called solutions are based more
on individual and regional economic advantage than on potential
success in reducing pollution. Ethanol is a good example. It seems that only
those legislators (Democrats and Republicans) on the coasts have the courage
(admittedly easier to have when your state has little or no corn production,
but still noteworthy) to call for far more research on alternative production
means before we continue the adoption of ethanol or go into it more heavily.
It takes half a gallon of fossil fuel to produce a bushel of corn. Ethanol is
not the only problem. The use of nitrogen for all uses of corn (including
cattle feeding) has an impact on the environment that may be worse than that
of carbon-based fuels—look at the dead zone in the Gulf and the “baby blue
alerts” in Des Moines, in which mothers are told not to let their children
drink water because of the nitrates in it. Nevertheless, in Minnesota,
Governor Pawlenty, with an approving chorus of Democrats, Republicans, corn
growers and agri-business, will move ahead on his 20 percent ethanol
increase plan.
Another comment. The title of
the lecture ties the solution of carbon pollution to freedom from Middle
Eastern involvement. This is a common and facile connection. In inveighing
against corn’s use as fuel and livestock feeding, Michael Pullen, former
editor of Harper’s Magazine, has sarcastically remarked that our
engagement in Iraq is in large part in is a defense of “the cornfields and the Big Mac.” But
in reality it is only wild optimism that would lead to the belief that even
relative freedom from dependence on Middle Eastern oil would mean no U. S.
involvement. Until (unless?) the Palestinian problem can be solved
satisfactorily for Palestinians and Israel, we can expect some U. S.
involvement in armed conflict in the Middle East for many years to come, oil
or no oil.
Roy
Nasstrom
April 18, 2005.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 12:31
PM
Subject: RE: [Winona] Sustainability
Series
[Winona Online Democracy]
To
Tom Severson: I agree - - - A source of energy that is only produced
by the use of a similar amount of existing energy gains us nothing.
The only true renewable sources are Wind power and Solar power.
Touting sources of energy that can only be produced by expending a similar
amount of existing energy wastes our resources. Research needs to be
directed toward true renewables.
I
will be out of town, but I believe we should do whatever we can in the
renewable area. Governor
Pawlenty has a strong initiative to make Minnesota a center for renewable
energy 20% ethanol also a Bio Diesel mandate is
coming.
We
need to support any reasonable measure, but the challenge is that some of
these produce less energy than they use and others cost more than oil
unless they are subsidized.
We need to make sure they will eventually cost less, but with oil
at the current levels many types of alternatives become economically
feasible.
Thanks Tom
Tom Severson
Box 736
Winona, Mn. 55987
507 452 3402 ext
214
-----Original
Message-----
From:
[EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Randy
Schenkat
Sent: Friday,
January 14, 2005 2:58 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Winona] Sustainability
Series
WOD
subscribers---
There will
be a great opportunity next Wednesday Jan 19th to participate or view a
discussion on energy use. There's a wealth of background at
the web site for Winning the Oil
Endgame---http://www.oilendgame.org/.
What do
folks think of Lovins plan which,by the way, was developed in
collaboration with the Pentagon ?
Press
Release sent out---
Amory
Lovins outlines energy independence in video event
Sustain Winona,
a local environmental group, will be hosting a video visit from Amory
Lovins on Wednesday, January 19th. Physicist Lovins, the legendary
co-founder and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute, is one of the most
important figures in the history of "alternative energy". Sustain
Winona will be presenting a video of Lovins' recent keynote address at the
2004 National Bioneers workshop. In this talk, Lovins offers a
realistic outline of how to achieve a prosperous post-petroleum economy
through cutting edge design innovations, radically enhanced resource
efficiency, and use of biofuels and hydrogen. Lovins' most recent book on
the subject is called Winning the Oil Endgame.
The Lovins'
talk will be presented at 7:00 pm at the Winona County Board room, 177
Main Street in downtown Winona. The program will simultaneously be
broadcast on HBC channel 19 and Charter's channel 19 (government access
channels). The half hour talk will be followed by a facilitated
hour-long conversation, in which local citizens brainstorm ways Lovins'
ideas could be explored in the Winona area. One of the most
interesting points made by Lovins is that we can substantially reduce our
dependence on foreign oil by designing cars that make greater use of
composites. These lighter, stronger and safer cars will have the
capacity to travel farther and consume less fuel. Winona is well known for
its vital composites industry. Implementation of Lovins' ideas in
the national arena could reap economic dividends in this
area.
The Lovins video event is free and open to the
public. It is the first in a series of free video events featuring
speakers from the 2004 Bioneers Conference. The Bioneers is a
national nonprofit organization that focuses on visionary and practical
solutions for restoring the earth. Sustain Winona is a group of
local citizens who are also involved in planning for Winona's Earth Day
celebration, April 23-24.
Future screenings are scheduled for
February 15th, on Sustainability and Agriculture; March 15th on
Sustainability and Health; and April 19th, Sustainability and
Community. All events are at 7:00 pm in the County Board
Room.
Randy
Schenkat
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