Camden Central High School
Camden, Tennessee
Teacher: Wanda Allen
Corn to the Rescue
By Jake Lumpkin
12th grade
Alternate fuels… what’s not to like? Finally we have a way to keep money in our own economy, and stop giving it to the Arabs overseas. This is where corn comes to the rescue. It’s actually not only corn. It’s mainly any waste not used after the agricultural process has taken place. People think that using these fuels will drain our economy of a food source, but actually it is the waste products from the crops that will be used. Alternate fuels have been discussed for years, and were used in Brazil, but are now just being talked about heavily in the United States. In my opinion, I think it’s because the American people feel that they are being controlled by another nation, which should definitely not be happening. Other nations, like Brazil are relying mainly on sugar cane, which is one of their major crops to begin with, while corn is ours and will more than likely be what we use the most. But there are still other ways as well. Not only can corn be used. But so can other wastes as well thanks to bioengineering.
For years alternate fuels have been scarcely used. [They were used to] power Henry Ford’s Mode l-T. The government knows that it will cost billions of dollars and years to get fuel stations up and running, and popular as well. As Americans, when we find something that works, we don’t like to give it up for something that will be a gamble. But with time, I believe that it will work. Even though the government is skeptical of all this, [it is] going to have to go along with it if our nation is going to continue to grow. Our dependency on foreign oil is the only thing that holds us back from trying new fuel sources. Brazil has done this and their economy has grown, and the has become sober from their dependency from the oil. General Motors has even taken the first step in advertising the new E-85 fuel which will allow the already equipped engines of today to run on the fuel. Another source of fuel is hydrogen, which started off a lot higher than the price of gas, and still is. But the difference is that the price of that is dropping while the price of oil is going up with [each] year.
The main problem with these alternate fuels is the engineering behind them. [It] takes time to learn what will run…best. We have already made leaps and bounds in this field which means that these fuels will with time take the place of oil, maybe even completely. And you know that the farmers have to be happy about this. Farming is now a dying industry in the United States. We have the thought in our head that we can import everything we need from other nations. Not true. And with corn being the main source of fuel, farmers may have a bounce back that will be one for the ages.
Also with alternate fuels we will be getting tax brakes. There are several actually. You can invest your money into alternate fuels, or work in a company that deals with them, or you can invent something that will use alternate fuels.
With the world being so big, and the fact that corn doesn’t grow so well everywhere, other nations are going to have to rely on things that they will be able to get hold of easily, things that are already in their country. Some could use hydroelectric power, others could use hydrogen mainly, others could use the change in climate, and as scary as it may sound, yes nuclear power. Then we could leave the Arab nations with their oil and gas. They can keep it then. The nations that produce oil are kind of like the kids at school who no one really likes, but has something that will benefit them. The kind of kid who uses it to his or her advantage. And as soon as we get what we need, or get all of it, then guess what. They go to having nothing. …Oil prices [are] going to get them into more trouble than…they think if other nations use alternate fuel sources heavily. So what can alternate fuels do besides help every nation…? Nothing. It is probably the best thing that is going to happen to our world. Its time for corn to be king again. [We’ll] show the Arab nations we don’t need their oil.
Answers To Questions
Q1. Gassahol is a byproduct exclusively from _______and________ whereas cellulosic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as _________,________ and _______.
A1. Corn, Sugar, Switch grass, Wood chips, 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?
A2. To break free from economy standards.
Q3. When were the first cars produced that were capable of using ethanol?
A3. Henry Ford’s Model-T
Q4. In a paragraph describe Brazil’s experience with ethanol. What did the Fortune article claim was the key to Brazil’s success.
A4. Brazil slowly weaned themselves off gasoline, not by force, but by making it cheaper. It was never pressed on them, and actually helped their economy.
Q5. What is the significance of the yellow gas cap?
A5. To draw attention to the E-85 fuel
Q6. Describe bio-diesel
A6. Fuel not completely relying on oil completely.
Q7. Explain the term “flex-fuel engine”. What American auto manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a flex-fuel engine?
A7. Corn, burn either gas or bio-fuel. GM
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
A8. On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed into law H.R.6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. EEI’s August 8, and July 29 news release energy upon H.R. 6 Also on October 25 and 26 EEI sponsored a conference to implement the new Energy Policy Act.
Q9. What is the purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative?
A9. To slowly wean people off oil.
Q10. What is the nation’s largest renewable resource?
A10. Corn
Q11. What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative?
A11. To have a new way to burn fuel.
Q12. List seven items mentioned in the 2005 energy tax bill that taxpayers can claim as credits against their tax bills.
A12.
n Tax deduction equaling the cost of energy efficient equipment installed if the equipment reduces the energy and power consumption of a commercial building by 50%.
n Tax credits for the contractors of new energy efficient homes if the homes acquire and an energy savings of 50% or more over the 2003 IEC code.
n Tax credits for the heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces and other equipment that achieve a certain efficiency levels when purchased for residential properties.
n Tax credit for manufacturers who produce highly efficient dishwashers, and refrigerators.
n 30% tax credit for the purchase of solar, photosynthetic and fuel cell properties for use in the residences
n Expands an existing business solar investment tax credit from the current 10% to 30% for the purchase of solar equipment
n Efficiency and conservation tax credits encourage the construction of energy efficient offices and homes, the purchase of energy efficient heating and cooling systems and appliances.