Biofuel and America's Energy Security

Introduction

While the automobile is one of the most prevalent features of life in the U.S., its reliance on gasoline has made it increasingly controversial. Concerns raised over gasoline consumption have led to discussion of an unexpected, alternative source of energy: plants. Vegetable matter--in the U.S., mostly corn kernels--can be turned into a form of alcohol known as ethanol, which can be used to power cars. But ethanol has, in turn, generated its own set of controversies. Although ethanol was used as a fuel in some early car models, such use was largely discontinued until the advent of oil shortages in the 1970s. Eager to find alternative energy sources, the government began subsidizing the production of ethanol as a gasoline additive. Those subsidies have continued to this day, and since 1990, the use of gasoline additives such as ethanol has been mandated by federal environmental law.

In addition to gasoline with relatively low ethanol content, a fuel mixture with much higher ethanol content exists but is not widely used. Known as E85, it contains 85% ethanol, and requires a special engine suitable for both types of fuel. Some car manufacturers have recently begun producing more cars able to run on E85. This paper discusses how Biofuels, especially ethanol, enhance America's energy security.

Discussion

As in the 1970s, there has recently been increased anxiety over U.S. oil consumption. In part, that has simply reflected gasoline prices, which have risen to new heights. More broadly, it has reflected concern over the instability of the Middle East, from which the U.S. imports a large portion of its oil. And environmental concerns have also played a part, with more attention paid to the effects of U.S. auto emissions on global warming. (John, 125)

Central to the recent interest in ethanol has been a new, experimental variety known as cellulosic ethanol. Containing more varieties of plant matter than traditional ethanol, cellulosic ethanol has the potential to be more energy-efficient. Although the technology for widespread production of such ethanol is still being developed, a number of high-technology companies and wealthy investors, and even the U.S. government, have taken an active interest. In a January 2006 speech, President Bush (R) referred to cellulosic ethanol as a prospect for reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. (Gawdat, 130)

While ethanol has its advocates, others are more reluctant to embrace it. Critics say that studies have shown it to be inefficient, requiring more fossil fuel energy to produce than it provides. Critics also point out that producing it creates pollution, so that it ultimately offers no advantages over gasoline. They also express concern that ethanol might consume too many agricultural resources in the U.S., cutting into crops needed for food. And they criticize the attention paid to ethanol as simply representative of the political influence of the farmers who produce it.

Supporters of ethanol fuel counter that the U.S. urgently needs to reduce its oil consumption, and ethanol is an established alternative fuel. They dispute the contention that ethanol is ...