Camden Central High School
Camden, Tennessee
Teacher: Wanda Allen
Why Haven't We Done This?
By: Ashley Hollingsworth
12th grade
I do not see the problem in using ethanol as an alternative source of fuel. The changes do not have to be made immediately and it will save us money in the long run. I understand that this will be costly …to…start and there are still kinks to be worked out, such as the corrosive nature of ethanol.
I would personally like to see ethanol used within the next few days. Gas prices have hit $2.64 a gallon! If you are on a budget it is hard to afford these outrageous prices. Using ethanol will not only save oil but money as well.
Look at Brazil. They are using ethanol effectively. Their cars have engines that can switch between gasoline and ethanol or [use] a combination of both. This will also save the population money as well as the government. We will be more self-sufficient and not
have to import as much oil from other countries. It is a great way to recycle crops grown in the U.S. We are one of the leading growers of corn, which is the one of the main components used to produce ethanol. Brazil does, however, have an advantage over us; …they are the worlds’ largest supplier of sugar cane. [Sugar cane] contains the highest concentration of ethanol available.
It is also a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline. Some automotive companies have already installed these interchangeable engines. They simply do not publicize this fact because at the moment it wouldn't do anyone any good. However, gas stations like Shell and British Petroleum are [allocating] funds to research…cleaner burning fuel.
We are experiencing the effects of global warming in my small town of Camden TN. You can ask anyone who has ever lived here. We used to not to have to worry about tornadoes and such varying climate changes year round. Since ethanol has virtually no emissions we do not have to worry about it damaging the earth. It is not only cost efficient but also environmentally the best choice. It is also a renewable resource, [whereas] fossil fuels are not. Once we have used them they are gone for good.
The Bipartisan Energy Bill will require that manufactures use 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol in gasoline by 2012. This will greatly reduce the amount of gasoline used in the U.S. by an estimated 80,000 barrels. This will also create over 200,000 new jobs in the U.S. Not only will it save…money and [help the environment] but…it will boost the economy by creating new jobs and keeping our money in our own country. It will also help Midwestern farmers. Not only will they be able to sell their corn, but the husks and stalks as well. This will further help our economic situation.
The only down side I can see is that we will lose money in the immediate future but…will gain…in the long run. …It takes years to ferment (like alcohol) so we need to begin immediately. This technology is already being used. Do we not boast that we are one of the most advanced countries in technology? It's time we stepped up to the plate and make a change for the better. This is something we have dreamt about for years. It's time we make that dream a reality.
Answers To Questions
Q1- Gassahol is a byproduct exclusively from corn
and _sugarcane________ whereas cellulosic ethanol can be
produced from agricultural waste such as _corn husks____,
___wood chips________ and _____prairie stitch grass_____
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? Because it was more cost effective
Q3- When were the first cars produced that were
capable of using ethanol? The model T in 1928
Q4- In a paragraph, describe Brazil’s experience with
ethanol. What did the Fortune article claim was
Brazil’s key to success? Brazil has used ethanol for years. They have discovered its many advantages. They have also become self sufficient upon their own oil production.
Q5- What is the significance of a yellow gas cap?
It signifies that the vehicle is E-85 ready.
Q6- Describe bio-diesel.
It releases non toxic emissions.
Q7- Explain the term “flex-fuel engine”. What American
auto manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a
flex-fuel engine?
It can use gas or ethanol and Ford was the first to pioneer it.
Q8- Trace the progress of H.R. 6 for viewers to our
web site. (dates introduced, amended, pass or
rejected)
Sept 7, 2005- NHTSA Fuel study intro
Q9- What is the purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle
commercialization initiative?
In order to reduce petroleum production
Q10- What is the nation's largest renewable energy
resource? Hydroelectric damns
Q11- What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel
Initiative? It develops the technology for use
Q12- List seven items mentioned in the 2005 energy tax
bill that taxpayers can claim as credits against their
tax bills.
1) $.08 per kilowatt production tax credit for electricity produced by nuclear power
2) At 30% tax credit for purchase of a solar, photovoltaic and fuel cell.
3) Tax credits for manufactures who produce highly energy
4) Tax credits for water heaters, heat pumps and acs
5) Contractors of new energy efficient homes if they save 50% or more
6) Efficiency and conversation tax credits for encourage the construction of energy efficient and homes.
7) Expands on an existing business solar investment tax credit for purchase of solar equipment.