Environmental Effects

Relative to fossil fuel based

energy, ethanol burns much

cleaner thus producing less

pollutants. A key advantage of

ethanol is that it is produced

from plants. As a result, the

carbon dioxide that is given off

by burning ethanol, is offset by the CO2 consumed by the plants during their

growth[Consumer 18]. Also, ethanol gives of fewer greenhouse gases including

nitrous oxide(NOX). According to Consumer Reports, E85 vehicles emit one part

nitrous oxide per million, where gasoline produces nine parts NOX per

million[Consumer 16].

However, CBS recently discovered that several ethanol production facilities

were violating government regulations by emitting pollutants like carbon

monoxide and methanol at high levels.  The facilities in violation apparently had

not installed proper pollution controls[CBS 1].  Clearly, while ethanol has many

benefits including the reduction of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, its

production can introduce other toxins that must be carefully monitored.

Another downside of ethanol is that some researchers believe that ethanol

consumes more fuel in its production than it does create through its

consumption. Professor David Pimentel of Ithaca University claims that his

studies show that ethanol from corn consumes 29 percent more fossil energy in

its production than it provides in fuel.  Pimentel states that "the government

spends more than $3 billion a year to subsidize ethanol production when it does

not provide a net energy balance or gain, is not a renewable energy source or an

economical fuel.” [Long 1].  Of course, another study at the Argonne National

Laboratory claims that ethanol provides a 35 percent net gain in energy output.

Also, most other studies affirm that ethanol is a positive net energy fuel source.

Yet, if researchers like Pimentel turn out to be correct, then ethanol is not only

wasting energy, but further polluting our environment in the process by

consuming excess fossil fuel.