Iola High School
Iola, Kansas
Teacher: Loretta Arnold
Alternate Fuels Affecting America
By Bridgette Nelson
12th Grade
Due to outstanding gas prices and foreign dependence…alternate fuels are in high demand. Ethanol, one alternative, is easy to make and for the most part, affordable; bio-diesel is another. With the 2005 Energy Act, Congress has allotted sufficient funds and incentives to provide for alternative fuels for America. With the results of two years of studies and research, the solution becomes clear: Ethanol and biodiesel are the nation’s solutions.
What makes the ethanol solution stand out from all other choices is simple. America would become self-reliant and gasoline prices would be lower and more stable. Americans would be able to produce the ethanol and control its own energy prices. Ethanol is produced by distilling starch crops, such as corn, that have been converted into simple sugars. Another form of ethanol is produced from trees, barks, and grasses. This is known as bio-ethanol. Gasohal, which in my town (Iola, Kansas) is found at Casey's Convenience Store and is called E10. This means that 10 percent ethanol is blended with 90 percent gasoline. This alternative fuel…helps both the local farmers and the local consumers to conserve our nation’s oil supply, while at the same time, boost economic growth. It soon becomes a win-win situation.
Although ethanol is a very simple fuel…to produce, I believe that biodiesel, on a larger scale, is the best for America. It is safe, biodegradable, and it reduces pollutants in the air. It is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled restaurant greases – all undesirable products that Americans already have in [abundance]. Although this alternative fuel is a little bit more expensive than regular unleaded gasoline for consumers, it is more likely to keep America clean. The environmental benefits of such a change out-weighs the costs. However, if we all used bio-diesel fuel more than we use regular unleaded fuel, than…consumers would save more money in the long run. Given time, American consumers will gain in the change. Again, another win-win situation.
Yes, other fuel and energy sources may help in this battle. But given the timeline and the costs, ethanol and bio-diesel provide the best nation-wide solutions. All citizens are encouraged to cut energy use and costs – which, when added up, saves the nation as a whole. Solar energy, wind-power, hydro and nuclear energy provide some relief to the nation. However, if we are to become independent from foreign fuels and if we are to find a long-tern alternative, we must pursue real changes now. President Bush’s Energy Act of 2005 was a challenge to every American to do his part. Now it is time for us to do our part as a nation.
Conserving energy and boosting the national growth has occurred since Congress passed the Energy Act in 2005. Research shows that possible and needed solutions are in sight. [Our] dependence on petroleum products in the Middle East is no longer desirable. America needs to change – and change now. As time progresses, more people are becoming educated on ways that each person can contribute to the cause. Given the opportunities, we must act together, we must act now.
Resources:
http://www.eere.energy.gov -- very informative
http://www.ilcorn.org/Ethanol/ethanol.html -- very informative
http://www.ford.com/en/vehicles/specialtyVehicles/
environmental/ethanol.htm -- somewhat informative
Answers to the Required Reading Questions
Q1- Gassahol is a byproduct exclusively from gasoline and ethanol; whereas cellulosic ethanol can be produced from agricultural waste such as prairie switch grass, wood chips, 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? It was more costly.
Q3- When were the first cars produced that were capable of using ethanol? In 1928-the Model T
Q4- In a paragraph, describe Brazil’s experience with ethanol. What did the Fortune article claim was Brazil’s key to success?
Brazil's geography has always been good for growing sugar cane, which is a major ingredient in ethanol. They have made flex-fuel cars (cars that can run off of gasoline and ethanol) and the consumers seem to love them.
Q5- What is the significance of a yellow gas cap? It was to promote GM's campaign to promote E85 and E85-ready cars and trucks.
Q6- Describe bio-diesel. Bio-diesel is a cleaner burning fuel. It is natural and made from renewable resources.
Q7- Explain the term “flex-fuel engine”. What American auto manufacturer introduced the first prototype of a flex-fuel engine?
A "flex-fuel engine" is an engine that lets the driver switch between ethanol and gasoline.
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>
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 releases enact upon H.R. 6. Also, on October 25 and 26 EEI sponsored a conference for implementing the new Energy Policy Act.
Q9- What is the purpose of the fuel hybrid vehicle commercialization initiative? The purpose is to improve technologies for the commercialization of hybrid vehicles. The program is intended to reduce petroleum consumption by bringing the new clean technologies faster to the market.
Q10- What is the nation's largest renewable energy resource? The nation's largest renewable energy resource is coal.
Q11- What is the purpose of the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative? The purpose is to develop the technology to produces, store, and distribute hydrogen to use in full-cell vehicles.
Q12- List seven items mentioned in the 2005 energy tax bill that taxpayers can claim as credits against their tax bills.
1. Electric Transmission Property to implement FERC restructuring policy
2. Electric Transmission Property treated as a fifteen year property
3. Production Tax Credit for advanced nuclear power facilities
4. Nuclear Decommissioning
5. Tax credits for contractors of new energy efficient homes
6. 30% tax credit for the purchase of solar, photovoltaic and fuel cell properties for use in residence
7. The construction of energy-efficient office and homes