in a recent Times’ commentary on ethanol (co-authored by one of his union buddies). If you believe him, ethanol is the savior of the world. Claiming ethanol is 63 cents a gallon cheaper than gasoline is patently untrue according to the US Department of Energy.
Its 2007 report says E85 ethanol fuel retails for 20 cents less (not 63 cents), but since ethanol contains approximately 34% less energy per unit volume it also will result in about 34% reduction in miles per gallon. It goes on to say if you adjust the price based on energy per gallon, E85 ethanol sells for the equivalent of 66 cents more than a gallon of gasoline.
On top of that, ethanol, as most bio-fuels in general, is “energy negative” taking 72% more energy to produce than than is contained in the final product.
Carbon dioxide is often cited as a major factor in so-called global warming DeSaulnier claims that ethanol can be a significant tool in solving our air quality problems. Use of ethanol, as currently produced, emits a similar net amount of carbon dioxide. So just where is the positive effect on air quality?
While DeSaulnier doesn’t mention this, assertions are often made that oil companies are subsididized by the government. While this is true, consider this. Most ethanol in this country is made from corn. Corn ethanol subsidies totaled $7.0 billion in 2006 for 4.9 billion gallons of ethanol. That’s $1.50 per gallon. So if you consider subsidies based on gallons produced, ethanol gets 54 cents and oil gets 1 cent.
The main reason for DeSaulnier’s faulty statements is the he is trying to help his union buddies get more ethanol plants built in California along with more unionized jobs. You may remember that DeSaulnier was a key player in giving away obscene pension and healthcare benefits while a County Supervisor thus leading the county into a financial morass. He did this as a payoff to the unions who owned him. Apparently they still do.
A word of advice for Brother Mark. Do your research and check your facts before running off at the mouth about saviors like ethanol. It really makes you look silly.