Iola High School
Iola, Kansas
Teacher: Loretta Arnold
Alternative Fuels: The Options That We Have
By Lacee Olson
12th Grade
Prices at the pump are on the rise, rising from approximately $1.65 two years ago in November to almost $2.25 this past November. The enormous increase in prices has had an effect on everybody’s wallet. One of the reasons...is the ongoing war with the Middle East, the world leader of petroleum. One thing is certain—the supply of gasoline will eventually run out, so before that happens, the American government and its citizens need to take action to find an alternative fuel source.
Since the beginning of the War on Terrorism, there has been a tremendous amount of research being conducted [to find] different types of alternative fuels. Examples of alternative fuels are: using crops and biodegradable products to make ethanol-gasoline, using propane and natural gasses, hydrogen, bio-diesel, electricity, and methanol. The Energy Act of 2005 has called for a push in the direction of research, technology, and production at every level of energy use. Besides offering grants to corporate businesses, the Act offers tax savings and deductions for purchases and cost-savings for every individual American citizen. With money behind this boost, more and more Americans are changing the way [they] look at energy use. Even with this, America is in need of more, substantial change. We need to embrace a new alternative fuel source.
Ethanol, in my opinion, is the best alternative fuel; the reason being, it not only improves emissions of gasoline, but it also supports the rural farm industries. Ethanol is derived from corn, barley, and wheat, and other farm-raised crops. The production of this fuel would be a step in the right direction towards saving the already depleting ozone layer. Equally important, Ethanol would be a good boost in the economy because it supports more than one aspect: American farmers, fuel contractors, and workers would all benefit. The substantial savings will also trickle down to the individual car drivers. The total savings would lower the cost of fuel for everybody who needs to travel. All in all, everyone would benefit from the change.
I am fortunate to live in southeast Kansas, [where] citizens…recently [came] together to begin an ethanol cooperative of sorts. Stocks were sold to open an ethanol plant in Garnet, just sixty miles from my hometown. Area citizens are benefiting from such an investment, local farmers are benefiting from the competition of whether to sell their corn to cattle ranchers or the ethanol plant, and local citizens are thriving upon stronger economics in our area. As more ethanol plants begin, the benefits will also grow. More and more communities will benefit; soon the entire country will benefit too.
Changing from gasoline to ethanol would not be difficult. The transition from gasoline to ethanol would be almost seamless. Vehicles that already run on gasoline are easily converted to use ethanol. No alterations in manufacturing or design are needed. In fact, thousands of cars already sport the growing trend of “yellow caps” (gasoline caps) that symbolize the use of ethanol fuels and blends. Thousands more are in assembly.
All of the other alternative fuels have pros and cons, just as Ethanol, but they are not as easy to produce or sustain. Most of them would be good in reducing air pollution and such, but the cost to extract the fuels is much higher, therefore, causing the consumers to pay a higher price for the fuels. Taking a step towards the production and use of ethanol would be an enormous step in the right direction. Our world would be a much healthier place for promoting that choice. Other countries, such as Brazil, have already proven the economical benefits of such a course of action. Besides leveling out the matter of “supply and demand” for energy, Brazil benefits also in community pride. Their country stands alone, without depending upon any others.
In order for changes of improvement, we have to keep in mind that it is not just going to happen over night, but that it will take years and a lot of patience. The Energy Act of 2005 is just the tip of efforts made; much more is needed. With the knowledge and ability to produce ethanol, America must act now. If not, unfortunately, we may run out of time and money before we have another energy source to replace the shortage of gasoline – and everybody world-wide will continue to pay the price for that.
Answers to the Required Reading Questions
Q1- Gassahol is a byproduct exclusively from _________ and _________ whereas cellulosic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as ___________, ___________ and ____________. Gasohol is a byproduct exclusively from ethanol and gasoline whereas cellulosic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as cornstalks, grasses, and tree bark.
Q2- Why did 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 could operate using ethanol as well as gasoline before there were an adequate number of service stations that could provide ethanol because gasoline was expensive and people needed a cheaper means of transportation.
Q3- When were the first cars produced that were capable of using ethanol? The first cars capable of using ethanol were produced when the Model T came out.
Q4- In a paragraph, describe Brazil’s experience with ethanol. What did the Fortune article claim was Brazil’s key to success? Brazil’s key to success was having good soil for producing crops and citizens who wanted the change from gasoline to ethanol.
Q5- What is the significance of a yellow gas cap? The significance of the yellow gas cap is to show that ethanol can be used in that vehicle.
Q6- Describe bio-diesel. Bio-diesel is a non-toxic, biodegradable, renewable, safe, and ready-to-use fuel.
Q7- Explain the term “flex-fuel engine”. What American manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a flex-fuel engine? A flex-fuel engine is an engine that can run off of either gasoline or ethanol. Henry Ford, an American auto-manufacturer, introduced the first prototype of a flex-fuel engine.
Q8- Trace the progress of H.R. 6 for viewers to our web site. (dates introduced, amended, pass or rejected) H.R. 6 bill was introduced July 28, 2005; passed in the House November 16, 2005 and passed in the Senate December 22, 2005.
Q9- What is the purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative? The purpose of fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative is to improve technologies for the commercialization of hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles.
Q10- What is the nation's largest renewable energy resource? Hydro-electricity is the nation’s largest renewable energy resource.
Q11- What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative? The purpose of Hydrogen Fuel initiative is to reduce reliance of foreign oil, have zero emissions, and to develop technology to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen for 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.
· Construction of energy efficient offices and homes.
· For contractors of new efficient homes if the home saves 50% or more over the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code.
· One equaling the cost of energy efficient equipment, if reduces energy consumption by 50%.
· Purchase of solar equipment.
· Purchase of water heaters, heat pumps, air conditioners, or furnaces with certain efficiency levels.
· For manufacturers who produce highly energy-efficient dishwashers, washers, and refrigerators.
·
For the
purchase of solar, photovoltaic and fuel cell properties for use in residences.