Burlington High School
Burlington, Kansas
Teacher: Mrs. Devra Parker
Corn:
Fuel for the Body and the Car
By Zach Stubby
12th grade
The definition of alternative is a choice limited to one of two or more possibilities, such as things, propositions, or courses of action, the choice of which precludes any other possibility. People doubted alternative music when it first made its debut to the music industry; now, it has made its name and is going big. So as we begin to hear more and more about alternative fuels, how is this going to affect this nation? Will it take off like alternative music, or will it just simply diminish into the distance and never be heard of again? How will Ethanol be used in the future of American society?
The Bipartisan Energy Bill of the United States Senate touches on many key items to help advance the conservation of fossil fuels, oil and petroleum in the United States. One item the bill touches on is the production and use of Ethanol. So the question many would ask is what exactly is Ethanol? Ethanol also known as ethyl, alcohol or grain alcohol,l is a colorless, limpid, volatile, flammable liquid having an etherlike odor produced by yeast fermentation of certain carbohydrates, [such] as grains, molasses, starch, or sugar. [It may be] obtained synthetically by hydration of ethylene. This type of alcohol, called E85, has been proposed for mixing with petrol. The name is derived of the mixture of 85 percent ethyl and 15 percent petrol.
Over the past few years gas prices have began to rise outrageously. …The American society relies on the production of oil so much that the need for an alternative fuel is astronomical, and now we finally have [ethanol]. The Bipartisan Energy Bill highlights the use of Ethanol. With the introduction of this new type of fuel it allows automobile manufacturers…to produce new vehicles for the people with a choice of running E85 or gasoline. Not only will this help…those who work in the city and drive to work everyday, but it will help farmers in the Midwest who rely on their crops also. When the demand for corn is down on a regular year, it will always be up now, as the production of Ethanol can rely on the production of corn.
One of the goals of the United States has always been to be as [little] dependent on other countries as possible. With the new use of E85, we would be reducing crude oil imports by two billion barrels and reducing the outflow of money to foreign countries by 64 billion dollars. [Consider] how…64 billion dollars could affect our economy. ...Instead of helping to support those foreign countries that just stab us in the back, we could save the money and give it back to the people of the United States.
The process of creating this vital fuel to reduce the use of oil will create many jobs for those without, as new plants will be created, and the jobless will become workers. Over 230 thousand jobs will be created in all divisions of the United States economy. …As demand increases the supply must increase also to keep the economy stable. Therefore as the citizens begin to demand Ethanol, more plants will have to be created to produce this alcohol to keep up with the demand. A chain reaction will…occur in creating more jobs. …This new fuel could have a colossal affect on the United States’ economy [and] at the same time, [the] environment.
The environmentalists, of not only this nation, but this world, complain what a devastating effect gas emissions are having on our ozone and the creation of acid rain. With the production and use of Ethanol, this would slowly decrease the depletion of the ozone and slowly reduce the chemicals sent into the air to be returned in rain. The launch of this new fuel would be a huge step in cutting down the pollution, as this would not only limit the pollution from the vehicles running the gasoline but from the refineries that make this fuel. Every one of these plants sends waste into the air. …With the creation of Ethanol, this would no longer…occur.
This nation is already taking strides to provid[e] this new fuel to the people. They [are producing] what is called E10 -- ten percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. All automobile manufacturers have approved of the use of E10 in all engines of…vehicles today. The push for E85 is growing rapidly as several filling stations around the country are providing this fuel and the number is steadily increasing. The only problem…is that only certain types of vehicles are produced to carry this type of fuel. They must have what is called a “flex-fuel engine.” This type of engine has the capability of running either E85 or gasoline.
As the sources of oil slowly become depleted, it is time that this nation takes a stand and does something about this. And, this is just what has [happened]. The proposal of ethyl alcohol has given an alternative [to] the fuel industry. Not only will this have an effect on the price of oil and…conservation, but [it] will also begin to reduce the pollution of…ozone. This new type of fuel will boast the economy as the money will not be sent to foreign nations but will be given back to the people of the United States. So, when it is time to by that new vehicle, look for a “flex-fuel engine” vehicle to start the process of change from gasoline to E85.
Questions and Answers
Q1- Gasohol is a byproduct exclusively from _________ and _________ whereas cellulosic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as ___________, ___________ and ____________.
Gasohol is a byproduct exclusively from corn and sugar cane where as cellulosic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as prairie switch grass, wood chips, and corn husks.
Q2- Why did auto makers produce cars that could operate using ethanol as well as gasoline before there was an adequate number of service stations that could provide ethanol?
Auto makers produced cars that can run on both gasoline as well as ethanol so the people will start seeing that this is a nation-wide issue, not just a concern of the Midwest. Another reason for this is to broaden the production and research of ethanol.
Q3- When were the first cars produced that were capable of using ethanol?
Brazil was the first to accomplish the act of creating a car that would run on ethanol. This took place in 1979.
Q4- In a paragraph, describe Brazil’s experience with ethanol. What did the Fortune article claim was Brazil’s key to success?
Brazil’s ethanol industry has flourished, mainly due to great sugar cane crops and vast availability at gas stations. The ethanol is produced nearly everywhere in the country, so there is not much shipping that needs to be done. Since the ethanol is produced in the country, billions of dollars are saved on imported oils. Giving people the choice of buying ethanol and not forcing them to buy it is considered to be Brazil’s key to the success it has had with ethanol.
Q5- What is the significance of a yellow gas cap?
The yellow gas cap will be placed on vehicles that are made E85 ready. Therefore once all gas stations around the world are caring E85, people will not place it in their vehicles unless they have the yellow cap. Caps will be sent to vehicles that are E85 ready before this act took place.
Q6- Describe bio-diesel.
Biodiesel is a diesel-equivalent fuel that is made through biological means and can be used as a replacement for diesel fuel. It is mainly produced from vegetable oils or animal fats. This version of diesel fuel has significantly fewer emissions that petroleum based diesel fuel.
Q7- Explain the term “flex-fuel engine”. What American auto manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a flex-fuel engine?
Flex fuel engines are engines that have the capability of having either ethanol or gasoline run through them. Ford Motor Company was the first American industry to introduce the flex fuel engine.
Q8- Trace the progress of H.R. 6 for viewers to our web site. (dates introduced, amended, pass or rejected) http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/electricity_policy/federal_legislation/index.htm
· April 18, 2005 – Bill Introduced into Senate
· May 5, 2005 – Amended
· August 8, 2005 – Bill passed
Q9- What is the purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative?
The purpose of this program is intended to reduce petroleum consumption by brining new clean technologies to the market faster.
Q10- What is the nation's largest renewable energy resource?
The world’s largest renewable energy resource is hydroelectric dams.
Q11- What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative?
The purpose of this was to develop the technology to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen for the use in fuel-cell vehicles.
Q12- List seven items mentioned in the 2005 energy tax bill that taxpayers can claim as credits against their tax bills.
· Buying fuel efficient hybrid-electric vehicles
“Fuel and Fuel Additives” http://www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm
6 Very little informative
“Alternative Fuels” http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/altfuels.html
5 Very little informative
“Alternative Fuels” http://www.ncsl.org/programs/energy/ALTFUEL.htm
2 Very informative
“Alternative Fuels” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_fuel
4 Somewhat informative
“Alternative Fuels” http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/current.shtml
1 Very informative