The issue of biofuels is not the focus of this blog, so I am not going to expound a lot on the subject. If you are trying to become informed so you can have an educated opinion on the concept, please keep in mind that the most vocal proponents of the idea are usually the people who are selling the idea, and the fuel, to business and consumers.
It is much easier for proponents to explain why it is a good idea than it is for detractors to explain why it is a bad idea. Unfortunately, the general public will accept a simple explanation over a complicated one regardless of the consequences. Frostfireseeds.com uses a diagram to make a compelling argument against biofuels. Cookingfire.com uses the 60 cent rise in the cost of a container of milk in New York as a simple example of how diverting corn to ethanol fuel production is making food more expensive. The biofuel industry is leading us down the wrong road. I think reduced consumption should be the primary focus with maximizing the use of free resources like wind and solar as a close second.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I am an agricultural student, and biofuels are all the rage. The price of corn has been driven up to $4 a bushel last I looked. Corn is a very expensive crop, both financially and ecologically to grow, and it is not a very effective plant in terms of energy conversion. We would be better off looking at switch grass and other species, and as you suggest REDUCE the usage.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:29 am
True, promoting extensive use of biofuels may further cause environmental degradation. Take ethanol, for instance, Brazil is gearing up for increased production due to the demand and it is feared that the Amazon rainforest will suffer the consequences.