Iola High School
Iola, Kansas
Teacher: Loretta Arnold
Energy Tax Bill: Not a Solution
By Brian Hutton
12th Grade
A large topic in recent elections has been the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. Many people believe that our country relies too heavily on other [countries] for our main energy source and that something should be done to change that. In 2005 President Bush signed the Energy Tax Bill, which brought hopes of finally lessening our dependence [on] oil. Although the act has many [good points], taxpayers and businesses can claim tax credits, it does nothing to solve the energy issue.
… There is nothing wrong with the bill, and it does motivate consumers to make economically-sound decisions. It makes choosing a flex-fuel vehicle or other alternative energy using machine more appealing and worthwhile. [However,] we will eventually need to find another route to take with the fuel that we use daily. Although the day that we will run out of gasoline is probably not as soon as everyone thinks, an alternative fuel needs to be found now. With the creation of ethanol, this goal seems more and more likely to [be reached]. Not only does this invention bring us closer to our goal, but it also gives the state of Kansas a pride in being able to help in the production of this fuel. Our [farmers will lay a large part] in the production of ethanol and this business [will] create many jobs in the state.
Overall, the search for an alternative fuel is great for our country and our state. The problem is we do not seem to be making a major effort to find a source that can last a reasonable amount of time and be worthwhile to pursue. The Energy Tax Bill of 2005 is great, but it does not offer another source. We need to actively pursue another material that can be converted, changed, or used as a replacement for gasoline. Nothing is going to change and our dependence on foreign oil is going to continue if we continue on the path we are taking.
The earth is a vast area with many different materials and resources that we should be able to find an alternative and use it to our benefit. A solution is not always going to be out in the open and easy to grasp. It may take a large group of people working together to find a concoction that we can use effectively as a fuel. Even everyday citizens can help by donating to companies that actively search for new possibilities in the fuel industry. This task is a huge one, but with all of us working together and trying to find another avenue to take, we will surely prevail and reach our goal.
An action that the government can take to help this movement along is to give rewards to students who choose a degree focusing around finding a new fuel source. Students with scientific abilities and creative minds will see this incentive and consider the possibility of working in that type of career. As of now, a job working with alternative fuels is not appealing and has no drawing factors that will lure new scientists. If the government really wants a change in this area, it must actively pursue and find future workers and creators of the fuel of the future.
There are many different jobs that future workers can pursue that would benefit this search. The automobile industry is a large portion of the network of people that could use help in finding new sources. Once a new fuel is found, cars will need to be modified to use the fuel and to emit the waste. For those who are not very interested in working on the fuel itself, this is a very powerful position that they can take to help the cause. Even if we do find an alternative fuel, we have to be able to use it safely and efficiently. Those with creative minds and a love for automobiles would do wonders in a position like this.
The options are endless; we just have to get our feet wet and jump in together. One person may be able to find a way, but it is nothing compared to the impact that a community can create. We have to come together, mix ideas, and find a way, not only for us, but also for our children and the future generations that will use our inventions. This is a major project when we think of the lives that will be affected by possible outcomes. However, nothing will get done if we don’t start acting. It takes a community to raise a child—our child is an alternative fuel.
Sources
Answers to the Required reading Questions
1.
Gasohol is a
byproduct from ethanol and gasoline whereas cellulosic ethanol can be produced
from agricultural waste such as cornstalks, grasses, and tree bark.
2.
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?
They produced cars before stations, because they wanted a break from
fuel-economy standards.
3.
When were the
first cars produced that were capable of using ethanol?
The Model T was the first car capable of using a form of ethanol.
4.
In a
paragraph, describe Brazil’s experience with ethanol. What did the Fortune
article claim was Brazil’s key to success?
Brazil
is perfect for growing sugarcane, which is the most energy rich feedstock
known. Forty percent of the fuel used in
Brazil is ethanol. They
also are able to use fuel from their own country because of this. Extra energy
is used for electricity. Consumers are choosing ethanol rather than being forced
to buy it.
5.
What is the
significance of a yellow gas cap?
The yellow gas cap shows that the vehicle is flex-fuel.
6.
Describe
bio-diesel.
Bio-diesel is a renewable fuel made from alcohol, oils, fats or greases
(glycerin has been removed.) Bio-diesel significantly decreases harmful
emissions.
7.
Explain the
term “flex-fuel engine”.
What American auto manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a flew-fuel
engine? Flex-fuel engines are identical to gasoline-only engines with minor
adjustments for use of ethanol. Ford introduced the first prototype of a
flex-fuel engine.
8.
Trace the
progress of H.R. 6 for viewers to our web site. (dates introduced, amended,
pass or rejected)
The bill was introduced July 28, 2005; passed in the House on November 16; and
passed in the Senate December 22.
9.
What is the
purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative?
The purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative is to
improve technologies for the commercialization of hybrid/flex-fuel vehicles.
10.What
is the nation’s largest renewable energy resource? Hydro-electricity is the
largest renewable energy resource.
11.What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative? The purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative is to develop the technology to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen for use in fuel-cell vehicles.
12. List seven items mentioned in the 2005 energy tax bill that taxpayers can claim as credits against their tax bills.
a. For the construction of energy-efficient offices and homes
b. One equaling the cost of energy efficient equipment, if it reduces energy consumption by fifty percent
c. For the contractors of new efficient homes if the home saves fifty percent or more over 2003 International Energy Consumer Code
d. For the purchase of solar equipment
e. For the purchase of water heaters, heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces with certain efficiency levels
f. For manufacturers who produce highly energy-efficient dishwashers, washers, and fridges
g. For the purchase of solar, photovoltaic and fuel cell properties for use in residences