Ethanol May Add to Global Warming

Study: Ethanol May Add to Global Warming:

The widespread use of ethanol from corn could result in nearly twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the gasoline it would replace because of expected land-use changes, researchers concluded Thursday. The study challenges the rush to biofuels as a response to global warming.

The researchers said that past studies showing the benefits of ethanol in combating climate change have not taken into account almost certain changes in land use worldwide if ethanol from corn — and in the future from other feedstocks such as switchgrass — become a prized commodity.

"Using good cropland to expand biofuels will probably exacerbate global warming," concludes the study published in Science magazine.

Of course, we'll all feel better for allowing Congress to mandate higher ethanol levels, because, you know, we care. Even if we care too much to do a study and plan before we act...

More on unintended fallout from ethanol mandates: No new oil refineries, health effects, raising food prices, on grocery bills.

Isn't paying more for the same quantity involved with inflation?

Oh, and have I mentioned that ethanol actually reduces miles per gallon, so you end up having to buy more of it to travel the same distance? Or the lack of economies of scale in scattering tiny ethanol refineries about? I'll get there eventually.

Vote the rascals out!