Apparent, rentIt has been reported in the media that it may be time to comment on energy and environmental health.
Posts published today on reuters.com is quite a surprise.
WASHINGTON, September 8 (Reuters) – In 2007, the U.S. Congress mandated mixing biofuels such as ethanol made from corn into gasoline. One of the top goals: reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
But today, the nation’s ethanol plants produce more than twice as much climate-damaging pollution, per gallon of fuel-producing capacity, than the nation’s refineries, according to Reuters analysis of federal data.
The average ethanol plants emitted 1,187 tons of carbon emissions per million gallons of fuel energy in 2020, the latest year figures available. By contrast, the average refinery generates 533 tons of carbon.
Not only does the article note the disparity in treatment across industries, but it also goes into historical detail on how it evolved into today’s policy.
According to academics who have studied ethanol, the high emissions of ethanol plants are in part due to a history of industry-friendly federal regulation that has allowed most processors to pass requirements. environmental critical of the 2007 law, the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). pollution and legal documents examined by Reuters. The rule requires individual ethanol processors to demonstrate that their fuel produces a lower carbon footprint than gasoline.
and continue
However, the agency exempted more than 95% of U.S. ethanol plants from this requirement through an exemption provision for plants built or under construction before the law was passed. Today, these plants produce more than 80% of the nation’s ethanol, according to the EPA.
When reporters queried the EPA about this, they spewed out the hostage scenario.
In response to questions from Reuters, the EPA said it was following Congress’ intent to implement biofuel legislation, including regulatory exemptions. The agency admits ethanol emissions during production are higher than gasoline, but insists that ethanol is cleaner overall.
The agency also touts the benefits of ethanol to the rural economy and national security. “Renewable fuels help diversify our nation’s energy supply, improving energy independence and security,” the agency said, adding that biofuels provide ” jobs and well-paying income for farming communities”.
It is a long and detailed article and well worth reading.
HT / macusn
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