Transition Fuels Prolonging The Problem
Written by: Aaron Hamilton
It’s unrealistic to think we can make the leap to cheap, sustainable energy overnight. Like most new technologies, it will initially be expensive, there will be bugs, and change itself will cause many to shy away from even the most benign advances. There will need to be stepping stones, possibly spaced very closely together, to ensure that our transition into an energy revolution doesn’t progress more quickly than our understanding of its possible impacts.
There are small steps being taken now. The gas in our cars is mixed with up to ten percent ethanol. It’s a widely available and cheap resource that offers the benefit of reduced carbon monoxide emissions, and ethanol producers are promoting E85 (85% gasoline to 15% ethanol) as a further step toward lower emissions and greater energy independence from foreign oil. However, there is much debate over the efficiency of ethanol production compared to its energy output and the large amount of farm and other land necessary for a full conversion to this fuel.
Natural gas is being touted as another energy source alternative to foreign oil. Currently, natural gas is used for heating and electrical generation by millions, but conversion of commuter and freight vehicles has not yet been embraced by the public. The advantages can’t be dismissed: fewer toxic and greenhouse gas emissions, energy independence, and the long-term financial savings as compared to gasoline powered vehicles. However, upfront costs for vehicles and fueling infrastructure even with tax incentives will undoubtedly have an impact on personal decisions to embrace this alternative.
As temporary solutions to dwindling supplies of gasoline, these resources seem like decent candidates, but in my opinion they could simply prolong our problems. My concern stems from our history as a nation addicted to the short-term savings associated with oil, at the expense of long-term health and environmental impacts. Our commitment to truly clean and renewable energy sources has only recently started to make headway among the majority of our citizens. How easy is could be for us to drag out our uses of ethanol and natural gas instead of using them as intended short-term alternatives. If these fuels are meant as gap-filling measures on our way to a renewable energy economy, then we must hold public officials responsible for staying on course, and as consumers we must continue to make choices that show our devotion to an environmentally sustainable future.
Sources:
http://www.ewg.org/biofuels/report/Ethanol-Health-Risks-and-Engine-Damage
http://environment.about.com/od/ethanolfaq/f/ethanol_problem.htm
http://www.pickensplan.com/theplan/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2006/the-pros-cons-of-buying-a-cng-powered-honda-civic/overview/0609_how-to-jump-start-a-car_ov.htm
