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Is America Wrong About Ethanol?

Ethanol Science

Using Corn For Fuel Seems Like A Dumb Idea In Light Of New Research

Ethanol makes up 10% of most of the gasoline sold in the United States. A large part of why Ethanol is so prevalent is that the Renewable Fuel Standard, created in 2005, wanted to reduce the emissions of the fuels we use.

Ethanol created from corn is renewable, because the corn takes carbon from the atmosphere to grow, creating a cycle that minimizes how much carbon is added to the atmosphere.

At least, that’s the story we were told…

Jason from Engineering Explained shows you new research out of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, that suggests “the carbon intensity of corn ethanol is no less than gasoline and likely at least 24% higher.”

What’s the solution?

We need to choose options that have a greater percentage of net emissions reductions so that we don’t unintentionally increase emissions if regulators estimated predictions are incorrect.

Editor;s Note: See this video’s full description on YouTube for references used in this video.