Camden Central High School
Camden, Tennessee
Teacher: Wanda Allen
Ethanol: The Next Giant Leap for Mankind
Missie Taylor
12th Grade
The Energy Pact of 2005 recognizes America as the global leader in technology. Now the time has come to use that technology to become the global leader in other categories including energy conservation. These tax credits are generally more valuable than a tax reduction, because a tax credit reduces a tax dollar for dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the total tax owed. Beginning in 2006, consumers will be able to itemize purchases, such as energy efficient cars and household items, on their federal income tax form which in turn lowers the amount they owe the government.
The subject of alternative fuels in the U.S. has been brewing around for decades. [Now] the government has finally decided to do something about it. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) provides incentives for businesses and [gives] each citizen the chance to gain tax breaks for more efficient usage of fuels and electricity. The conflict, however, is whether or not the use of adequate alternative fuels such as ethanol is a breakthrough or hindrance to society.
Buying and driving fuel efficient vehicles provides benefits such as better gas mileage which in turn results in fewer emissions, lower gasoline prices, and reduced air pollution. Correctly referred to as cellulosic ethanol, this alternative fuel is looked to as the next leading provider of motor energy. The production of ethanol has been modified from the breaking down of corn and sugar cane of yesteryear into a biotechnical procedure that uses perishable waste products such as wood chips and corn husks.
[Because ethanol is made from corn,] many believe that the over production of ethanol could lead to a shortage of the world’s food supply, however, corn has no actual nutritional value. It is one of the few fares that pass almost completely through the body unscathed by the digestive system. The price at the pump is constantly fluctuating, and if America feels that a higher production of ethanol taken from our corn production would solve this problem, they would probably choose another vegetable to put on their plate.
Thanks to auto makers around the country, manufacturers have begun providing the consumer with a flex fuel technology that will allow them to choose between ethanol and gasoline without hurting the vehicle. Brazil, about a decade ahead of the U.S., has almost 1.3 million flex fuel engines on the road and many ethanol producing plants. Manufacturers have solved the issues of ethanol corroding engines and proceeded to make E85 the superior choice for fuel consumption. However, there are only approximately 587 gas stations that provide and sell ethanol as a fueling option in the U.S.
Bush stated in his speech for the signing of the EPACT in 2005 that the incentive for using ethanol as a fuel alternative would help the long awaited restructuring of nuclear research facilities. Nuclear power plants can emit massive amounts of electricity without producing an ounce of air pollution or green house gases; however, there is doubt as to whether all of the studies will be focused on national recovery or security. Nuclear studies have decreased in the past decade but maybe because the country grew too power hungry in the first place.
The EPACT was designed to strengthen the economy and improve the environment. After a recession, terrorist attacks, and corporate scandals, it is pleasant to see everyone work together for something. The new alternative fuel technology will benefit everyone in some capacity. The greatest work it may do is to diminish our reliance on foreign oil. But, if we choose to continue our interest in the use of ethanol, we will not be relying on the wealthy countries of the Middle East instead we will be looking towards Brazil.
Brazil’s [experience] may cause some hesitancy towards…the EPACT bill. [Brazil] passed a similar bill in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. When stations were forced to sell ethanol for tax breaks, the inexpensive oil prices paired with consumer tradition almost demolished the market for ethanol. The U.S. might not have to worry about this right now due to the lack of stations that offer ethanol as a fuel alternative. [However,] we must be cautious not to destroy a market before it takes off.
The EPACT bill has a definite chance at success. The advantages of the new designs for energy efficiency outweigh the odds of failure.
This bill single-handedly provides the first step towards a reliable and affordable energy future for Americans.
Security is a feeling every American craves, especially during the [current battle] against terrorism. Although the problem of inflated gas and oil prices cannot be solved over night, we are providing a vital stride towards a more secure nation with less dependency on foreign sources of energy.
Bibliography
Bishop, J. Retrieved April 1, 2006. http:/whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/08/20050808-6.html. May 2005.
Singer, H. Retrieved April1, 2006. http:/www.singerfoundation.org. Update; March 2006.
Answers To Questions
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 cellusolic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as woodchips, prairie switch grass, 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?
-- Before ethanol may be used you must have vehicles that may run off it without harm to the engine. This extends the life of the vehicle while still avoiding suit by unsuspecting consumers.
Q3- When were the first cars produced that were capable of using ethanol?
-- 1912
Q4- In a paragraph, describe Brazil’s experience with ethanol. What did the Fortune article claim was Brazil’s key to success?
--
Brazil has over 1.3 million cars running on ethanol now. However, in the
late 1970’s, when the government started trying to force ethanol with tax
incentives, demand for it decreased and almost destroyed the market for
ethanol before it began. The secret to Brazil’s success is having a high
supply of ethanol and many stations to supply the consumer with ethanol.
Q5- What is the significance of a yellow gas cap?
-- The yellow gas cap represents the GMC vehicles that are ethanol use ready such as the Chevrolet Avalanche.
Q6- Describe bio-diesel.
-- Biodiesel is a new type of fuel for diesel engines that is both environmentally friendly and less expensive.
Q7- Explain the term “flex-fuel engine”. What American auto manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a flex-fuel engine?
--“Flex-fuel engine” is an engine that can run on both regular gasoline and new types of ethanol in production without harm to the apparatus.
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
-- October 1, 2005: DOE Energy Efficiency Pilot Program Introduced November 7, 2005: DOE Deep Water Natural Gas Solicitation Proposed; DOE Guidelines of Transactions were Issued; DOE Study/ Reports on Benefits on Economic Dispatch Issued; DOE Report on Potential Hydropower Facilities Submitted
Q9- What is the purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative?
-- The fuel hybrid initiative uses tax incentives to draw consumers to the environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles. Consumers may receive between $250 and $3,000 for purchasing a hybrid vehicle.
Q10- What is the nation's largest renewable energy resource?
-- Dams
Q11- What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative?
-- The Hydrogen Fuel Initiative acquires government money for a greater exploration into hydrogen power energy.
Q12- List seven items mentioned in the 2005 energy tax bill that taxpayers can claim as credits against their tax bills.
-Water heaters -Heat pumps
-Air Conditioners -Furnaces
-Energy efficient home contractors -Hybrid Vehicles
-Energy saving windows