Corn Ethanol Debate

(Pro) How does corn ethanol affect US reliance on foreign oil?

It reduces reliance on foreign oil imports

(Pro) What environmental advantage does ethanol have over oil regarding “spills”.

Ethanol is biodegradable

(Pro) What are 2 valuable byproducts of corn ethanol production?

Livestock feed and Corn oil

(Con) How does converting corn into fuel affect the food market?

It increases food prices

(Con) Why does ethanol have a shorter tank storage life than gasoline?

It absorbs water and is corrosive

(Con) Why does corn production require substantial fossil fuels?

To power machinery for planting, harvesting, and transport

Where are the most US ethanol-related agricultural jobs located?

The Midwest

(Con) How does the constant replanting off corn stress the ecosystem?

It causes soil disturbance and erosion

(Con) How does expanded corn production impact it’s diversity

It’s monoculture leads to loss of grains genetic diverrsity

(Pro) What is a agricultural benefit corn farmers receive?

Subsides

(Pro) Unlike gasoline, Corn ethanol is a _______ resource.

Renewable

(Pro) What performance benefit does ethanol offer for vehicle engines?

High octane power

(Con) What program land is lost due to increased corn acreage?

Conservation Reserve Program

(Con) What major ecosystem issue does corn runoff contribute to?

“Dead Zones” in the Gulf of Mexico

What is the energy efficiency ratio of corn ethanol?

1 unit input : 1.3 units burned

(Con) Which food grains diversity is negatively affected by the expansion of corn fields?

Wheat, barely, and oats

(Pro) By what percentage does E85 fuel reduce gas mileage?

20-30%

How many gallons of ethanol per acre does corn yield?

300 gallons

What two alternative biofuels produce diesel?

Cellulose and algae based fuels

Gas blended with up to 15% ethanol is called…

E15