2007.07.31
Chesapeake ethanol plant relies too much on foreign and out-of-state corn
This week: The fuel ethanol craze has found its way to Virginia, in the form of a proposed plant in Chesapeake. Problem is, the plant could require almost twice as much corn as state farmers grew in 2006. What do plant developers propose to do, aside from encouraging Virginia farmers to step up the plowing and planting? Bring it in from the corn-rich Midwest and from Brazil. The amount of non-renewable fossils fuels needed to transport that corn hardly contributes to a reduction in oil consumption.
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Virginia and other US States
have MORE COAL than any where in the World. Our coal can be reduced to pulverized slurry and transformed into automotive fuel without upsetting our agricultrial production at much less cost & disruption. The USA must begin more off-shore & Alaskin oil production - or - we will continue to be dependent on FOREIGN SOURCES.
Comment by Jake — August 1, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
I feel we should be at the forefront of renewable energy technology, and at the same time *explore* (but not yet fully utilize) national oil supplies. I'm wondering if it isn't better to continue exploiting foreign oil sources while they are still relatively cheap, holding our own until other supplies are low.
As far as the ethanol, it's going to take some time for the logistics and technology of this fuel type to work out (if it ever does pan out). I don't think the initial trials should be compared against modern-day refining technology.
Comment by Ed S. — August 1, 2007 @ 8:37 pm