This is a graded discussion question and i need your opinon on it. Thank you?

Question

"Biofuels - Problem or Solution?"

Answer 1

Well, right now corn ethenol costs more energy to make than it creates. Doesn't sound like a solution to me. AND it uses valuable food resources that should be used to feed the world.

Answer 2

I give ethanol a mixed review. In the US, ethanol fuel is produced mostly from maize. Some studies have indicated that the production of ethanol from corn consumes more energy than it yields. America’s energy policy is based solely on market forces, such as maximizing profits and investment, and is not based on a sound environmental policy or alternative fuel policy.

Ethanol from corn is one of the least effective ways to produce it. It very well could be true that if maize ethanol was America’s primary source of energy, then we would all starve.

On the other hand, with better research and technology, we could make ethanol work. Produce ethanol from switchgrass and we would have better results; but, farmers would still have to plant less crops to grow a significant quantity of switchgrass to produce a worthwhile quantity of ethanol from this source.

I’ve read articles that suggests that algae can be manipulated to produce ethanol.[1] Each region of the country could have an ethanol-algae producing plant; and then, not only could farms continue to grow food items, we also would not have to worry about transporting ethanol around the country (which uses energy).

Another potential source of ethanol is landfills.[2] There is probably enough garbage rotting in landfills to produce ethanol energy for a significant portion of the nation’s energy needs. Ethanol will never be the ENTIRE solution, but combined with solar, wind, wave, and geothermal energy, we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

When it comes to developing a sound energy policy, we are only limited by our lack of imagination and the political/economic power of special interests.

Answer 3

The problem with ethanol is that we are using corn.  This is not only an expensive way to produce it, but it also creates shortages of corn increasing food costs.  In Brazil they have had much success using sugar cane and sugar beets to produce ethanol.  we should give that a shot.

Answer 4

Ethanol is an inferior fuel...and a superior beverage.  Let's not waste it!!

Answer 5

Ethanol is very expensive to make, but as the cost of gas goes ever higher it may be cheaper to produce more ethanol than oil, it would also decrease our c02 emissions by alot.

I'm with ethanol.