The current drought conditions throughout large swaths of ag country and predictions of a dismal corn crop have led members of the ag community (primarily livestock producers), food producers, and now a collection of politicians to request the Obama administration to direct the EPA to waive the corn ethanol fuel requirements mandated under the 2005 Renewable Fuel Standard Act.
Not surprisingly, corn growers looking at record crop prices are pushing back, urging the administration to not act in haste based on one poor growing season.
But with a disastrous corn harvest looming and predictions of higher food prices in an election year, the administration is likely going to make the political decision to waive the requirements and sell it as effort to reduce the little guy’s grocery bill.
Regardless, I hope the EPA waives the ethanol requirement and it proves to be the crack in the dam that ultimately leads to the dismantling of the whole corn ethanol fuel debacle.
It’s called “Ethanol: A Tragedy in Three Acts”. Ed does an excellent job explaining the huge subsidies for ethanol production, the comparisons with MTBE as to effectiveness in smog reduction, and the effects on automobile engines and fuel systems. Basically, it ain’t worth it.
I also wish they would simply drop ethanol entirely. I think it’s simply a political payoff for agribusiness, with us footing the bill. As always.
And it would definitely help reduce fuel prices, and lower the hidden inflation rate.
Sometimes I think we’d be better off if we took the grain and feed to cattle that were put on a tread mill that generated electricity. Seems like less energy would be lost and we have lean beef to eat. What’s not to like?
Thought they were trying to bump our gas from 10 to 15% ethanol?
Any ethanol is stupid. It eats fuel lines, and this entire scheme is so fucking stupid I get infuriated thinking about it. Go back to pure gas and stop this insanity.
