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Bioethanol from Corn (for students)

The debate discusses the pros and cons of using corn for bioethanol production, highlighting its established infrastructure and environmental benefits versus the potential for increased food prices and energy inefficiency. Proponents argue that corn bioethanol supports the economy and reduces carbon emissions, while opponents warn of food shortages and question the sustainability of corn as a fuel source. The discussion emphasizes the need to consider both short and long-term implications of corn-based bioethanol.

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32 views

Bioethanol from Corn (for students)

The debate discusses the pros and cons of using corn for bioethanol production, highlighting its established infrastructure and environmental benefits versus the potential for increased food prices and energy inefficiency. Proponents argue that corn bioethanol supports the economy and reduces carbon emissions, while opponents warn of food shortages and question the sustainability of corn as a fuel source. The discussion emphasizes the need to consider both short and long-term implications of corn-based bioethanol.

Uploaded by

ivyteacher27
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Bioethanol from Corn: Fuel or Foolish?

The following transcript is from a local radio program.

1. Debate chair: Welcome to Saturday Night Debate. Bioethanol, a renewable fuel, now makes up

about 10% of the fuel used in American automobiles and light trucks. To lower American need for

fossil fuels, the U.S. government is requiring an increasing amount of renewable fuels to be blended

with gasoline each year until 2022. Currently about 90% of the bioethanol produced in the United

States is made from corn. Is corn a good source for bioethanol?

Affirmative, presented by Miriam Garber, member of the Southwestern Ethanol Association:

2. Bioethanol made from corn is good for the U.S. economy and good for the environment.

3. Corn is a tried-and-true source of bioethanol, because corn has been used as a source of

bioethanol for more than 30 years, the infrastructure-from producers to refineries- is in place.

Other possible bioethanol sources, such as straw and saw grass, are still in the experimental stages.

Developing these sources will take a great deal of investment. Even then, there is no guarantee

they will be as dependable as corn.

4. Bioethanol from com is a clean-burning fuel, compared with gasoline and diesel fuel, burning

ethanol creates more water vapor and less carbon dioxide. It helps control exhaust-gas emissions

and results in less carbon dioxide in the air. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from fuel is the major cause of

global warming. Burning bioethanol in cars helps reduce CO2 and protect the environment.

5. The U.S. Department of Energy has endorsed bioethanol for more than 30 years as a

biodegradable alternative energy source. Until recently, the government has supported the corn-

based ethanol Industry in the United States by authorizing federal tax credits.
Negative, presented by Kristin Weller, chairperson of the non-profit organization Save Our

Crops:

6. Corn and other food crops are not the best sources of bioethanol.

7. Greater demands on corn for bioethanol will raise food prices and create food shortages. As

ethanol production increases, corn will become more expensive as a food crop because it will

be in greater demand. In Mexico in 2007, the spike in the cost of corn resulted in a spike in the

cost of tortillas. The government was forced to take action to stop food shortages and human

hunger. This spike was due in part to corn being used for ethanol production in the United

States.

8. Fuel that is used to create ethanol is not clean burning. Estimates of the amount of fuel it

takes to produce a gallon of ethanol range from 0.7 gallon to 1.5 gallons. Once every drop of

fuel is counted-to drive tractors and harvesting machinery; to Irrigate; to produce nitrogen

fertilizer; to transport, dry, and store the corn; to produce the bioethanol and deliver it to

refineries-the energy "bargain" seems less real.

9. Government policies that have favored bioethanol production have highlighted the flaws of

growing corn for fuel. Thirty years of government subsidies have not benefited com farmers but

instead have benefited the oil companies that blend corn bioethanol with gasoline. Thankfully,

Congress came to its senses and allowed these tax credits and tariffs on imported bioethanol to

expire.

10. While it is tempting to think of corn bioethanol as a solution to fossil fuel dependency, there

are short and long-term drawbacks to consider.

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