Many consider
ethanol as now produced as "part of the solution for clean air," but
the solution may be creating major environmental problems. Denials of the
high use of fossil fuel in the making of ethanol, such as those in the
Department of Agriculture in its 2002 report and in numerous
industry-sponsored studies, seem to have ignored all the steps needed
(production, distribution, transportation, among many others) in the turning
of corn into ethanol. In his opinion page piece in today's Star Tribune,
Dennis Nielsen comments on this issue as a significant problem in
ethanol production.
My specific
comment about �half a gallon to produce a bushel of corn� is based on
increasing scientific evidence, particularly that noted by David Pimintel and
Tad Patzec. Pimentel of Cornell, whom Nielsen referred to, has contributed
additional data since he wrote the article in the Encyclopedia of Physical
Sciences and Technology in 2001. Those interested might check the Web for
references to his work. Further information based on empirical research may be
found in the works of Tad Patzec, a professor of civil and environmental
engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. His latest publication is �The
Thermodynamics of the Corn-Ethanol Biofuel Cycle,� in Critical reviews in
Plant Sciences (vol 23, no.6, 2004, pages 519-567). He has a Web page in
which he keeps the article updated with current research. As part of his own
research, he provides numerous references to relevant scientific studies on
ethanol and environmental problems involved in corn production.
Thus, as
I wrote previously, before we go into expanded use of ethanol (even
before we blindly continue current support), we should have a great deal more
research on its methods of production. Someday, perhaps, someone will come up
with a solution to the environmental impact, including the ramifications of
nitrogen use. But unless that day arrives, we should also give much more
attention to environmentally safe ways of reducing pollution.
I realize the
subject of ethanol is controversial and that many individuals, businesses and
even some research arms of institutions of higher education depend for their
well-being on the acceptance of ethanol as a component of fuel. I realize that
in much of Minnesota criticism of corn production is sacrilegious.
Nevertheless, current political and economic advantages should not be allowed
to submerge environmental dangers. I know they do, of course, and I know they
will, but I�m ever optimistic.
Roy
Nasstrom
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 24, 2005 6:17
AM
Subject: Re: [Winona] Sustainability
Series
[Winona Online Democracy]
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.
----- Response
-----
A half gallon per bushel
seems high, but I have no first hand knowledge of that or of how much
ethanol can be extracted
from a bushel. But more energy than just tractor fuel goes into
the
production of farm
commodities: (from today's StarTribune opinion page)
"......
A controversial report
published in the Encyclopedia of Physical Sciences and Technology in 2001 by
Cornell University agricultural scientist David Pimentel concluded that it
takes up to 131,000 Btu to produce 1 gallon of ethanol which yields 77,000
Btu. The energy to produce ethanol comes mostly from fossil fuels like oil
and gas. Fossil fuels are used to power farm machinery, produce fertilizer
and manufacture agrichemicals. Additional fossil fuels are needed to
transport and process corn into alcohol .......
.... the idea that
gasohol will supplant fossil fuels in any significant way is a myth. .....
Rather than focus on gasohol, Pawlenty should promote ways that Minnesota
can reduce overall energy consumption. For example, a truly bold initiative
would be to bond for mass transport ....
Dennis N. Nielsen, of
Oakdale, is professor emeritus of geology at Winona State
University.
And with people commuting from Saint
Paul to jobs in Winona (or visa-versa), energy usage
will continue to be a hot
topic. John N.
Finn
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