6 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

wood or low-quality coal. But switchgrass regenerates itself, without pesticides or fertilization, for a quarter century or longer and can help reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil and fossil fuels.
A natural method of removing thousands of tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air and counter pollution spewed by coal-fired power plants. Switchgrass also can thrive in poor soil, including coal-mined sites.

Creation of perfect habitat for wildlife and ground cover to prevent erosion, among other environmental benefits.
And a crop that can help save the American farm." (2)

In addition to these benefits, an article in the December 2006 issue of Grist: Environmental News and Commentary notes "According to the U.S. Department of Energy, corn-based ethanol provides 26 percent more energy than is required for its production, while cellulosic provides 80 percent more energy. And while conventional ethanol reduces greenhouse-gas emissions 10 to 20 percent below gasoline levels, the reductions with cellulosic range from 80 percent below gasoline to completely CO2 neutral." (3)

Conclusion
In conclusion, though hopes have been high for the corn ethanol potential, it is clearly not a feasible solution to our energy problems. Cellulosic ethanol made from switchgrass however, looks promising but there are still a few kinks that need to be ironed out such as the complexity and time-consuming process of extracting and producing the finished product. An article in the December 2006 issue of Grist: Environmental News and Commentary quotes Michael McElroy, a professor from Harvard, on the final reality of our potential cellulosic ethanol redeemer. "The prospects for ethanol from cellulose may be more promising than is the case for corn, but the benefits, assuming they exist, surely lie a decade or more in the future," wrote Harvard environmental studies professor Michael McElroy in a recent article in Harvard Magazine. "The best, immediate option would be to conserve: to use less gasoline." (3)

Sources Cited:

1. National Geographic Magazine, October 2007 issue, article by Joel K. Bourne, Jr. "Green Dreams."
Website: http://magma.nationalgeographi c.com/ngm/2007-10/biofuels/bio fuels.html?fs=www.nationalgeog raphic.com

National Geographic Magazine, Biofuel Interactive: http://magma.nationalgeographi c.com/ngm/2007-10/biofuels/bio fuels-interactive.html

2. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 08, 2006 issue, article by David Templeton "Farmer Hopes Switchgrass Crop Will Be an Alternative Fuel."
Website: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg /06312/736359-113.stm

3. Grist: Environmental News and Commentary, December 04, 2006 article by Maywa Montenegro, "The Big Three."
Website: http://grist.org/news/maindish /2006/12/04/montenegro/

Learn more about this author, Debra Knight.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about The truth about ethanol?
We want to hear your view. Write now!