The Oil Drum | The Energy Balance of Ethanol versus Gasoline

375 comments on The Energy Balance of Ethanol versus Gasoline

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Jack on August 28, 2006 - 1:49am

Actually, I agree with just about all of that. In the US ethanol is a farm subsidy first and an energy policy second. From an energy perspective, I think the US would be better served by reducing import tariffs to ethanol and seeing how the whole thing plays out.

However, I see the arguments for and against as being equally confusing. My objective isn't to promote ethanol, particularly grain-based. I have no opinion as yet on cellulosic, but have no reason to believe it is any better at this point.

However, I do think that sugar cane-based ethanol makes sense in a certain regions and only to a scale not greater than 10% of current global consumption.

I think the lack of care in referring to corn-based ethanol as if it is all ethanol is no less confusing than the pro-ethanol falsehoods. I think that failure to be clear that the accusations are only accurate in referring to a specific process (grain) is as willful and wroimg as any from the other side. The same goes for damning ethanol (or any other potential solution) just because it can not replace every bit of oil product we now use.

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Kevembuangga on August 28, 2006 - 2:41am

I see the arguments for and against as being equally confusing.

YOUR problem!!!

Why is it that we have to rehash these arguments again and again among TOD posters?
You should have made up your mind one way or another and be able to support your position by at least PLAUSIBLE arguments even if challengeable and challenged.

If you don't know what you are talking about keep reading and STFU instead of spreading your confusion.

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jokuhl on August 28, 2006 - 7:25pm

When you have a good point to make, I wish you would refrain from weakening it with petulant Acronyms. ('STFU') If it was only your own reputation that was affected, maybe I'd leave it alone, but it really undermines making and keeping a productive discussion going here.

Even without the 'TF' in the middle of it, 'Shut Up' is beneath you or any of us.

Bob Fiske

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375 comments on The Energy Balance of Ethanol versus Gasoline

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

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