» The ethanol controversy

By Stephanie Vallance, Staff Writer
Thursday, March 27, 2008 | No comments posted. The use of ethanol, an oxygenate, as a fuel additive has been subject to a worldwide debate over the past few years. As the price of corn rises along with the price of oil, the argument seems far from over.

Ethanol can be made from many carbohydrates, but is most often made from corn. The corn is ground and mixed with water and heated. When enzymes are added, the starch is converted to sugars. Fermentation creates alcohol from the sugars and then the water is distilled away, leaving just the clear alcohol.

Proponents of mixing ethanol with gasoline argue that not only will the mixture lower emissions of carbon dioxide, but will lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil and create a boost for rural economies that could take advantage of the rising demand for the new “cash crop.” In addition, major car manufacturers endorse the use of and up-to 10 percent ethanol fuel mixture in their vehicles and say it doesn’t cause problems with most engines.

Yet, even some eager for a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels are hesitant to name corn ethanol as the cure. Many contend that the energy it takes to produce corn ethanol is equal to the energy it replaces. In addition, corn requires more herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer than any other crop. Others simply have a problem with the use of a food source as the alternative.