Biofuels Outlook Are Shortrange Handicapped

For at least this generation and maybe the next, fossil fuel will rule the day - to believe biofuels will be a major energy source any time soon is a "green" fantasy.

The real problem is the politics of 'green' energy - Ethanol, solar, wind and biofuels need a lot more research and development. And, of course, without huge infusion of subsides from the taxpayer, they wouldn't be a factor at all, they wouldn't exist at all! But it doesn't end just with the purchase of these odd balls for the taxpayer, the maintenance costs will crush entire communities.

Then, what is needed here is to stop the subsides that are killing family budgets by higher taxes and destroying jobs, which means vote out, in 2012, all legislators that advocate subsides for alternative fuels. If they can't exist without a subside, then they don't deserve to exits at all.

Benefits of Biofuels and Electric Vehicles Questionable
Source: Amy Kaleita, "Car-tastrophe: How Federal Policy Can Help, Not Hinder, the Greening of the Automobile," Pacific Research Institute, February 14, 2011.

Cars remain the primary mode of personal transportation for much of America and account for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. However, promoting electric vehicles like the new Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf could actually cause more harm than the perceived good it provides, says Amy Kaleita, a senior fellow at the Pacific Research Institute.

Both biofuels and electric vehicles are highly incentivized by federal actions; yet, the environmental benefits of both remain questionable. Policymakers must look beyond tailpipe emissions and consider economic sustainability, performance and functionality, and overall environmental health.

Dr. Kaleita's research debunks several myths fueling the push for more biofuels and electric vehicles. It shows: Many biofuels, namely those sourced from corn and soybeans, can have significant negative environmental impact.

Electric cars are only beneficial when the electricity is generated on-board or when the car is charged with electricity generated from no- to low-carbon sources.

Plug-in hybrids are only cost-competitive and more environmentally sound than other options when they are short-range vehicles charged every 20 miles or less.