It's my understanding that clearing land (trees) to plant corn to produce ethanol gives us a net negative for the environment.

The trees give up much larger oxygen benefits than other plants.

luck,greg

 

I don't know of other states, but here in South Carolina, about one third of the available open farmland 20 years ago has now been planted in timber(not as volatile as farm prices, nor as subject to drought). The farmers of today are large scale operations. The hot topic now is using switchblade grass instead of corn ("maize" across the Pond). The grass has a much higher yield. Here is an article on the subject:

http://ethanolblogger.com/2007/02/21...c-ethanol.aspx

 

From what I understand corn makes good fritos but sucks making fuel ..Its just another scam. Weve been paying farmers not to grow corn for decades..

 

LMAO and you are absolutely correct...it keeps the prices stabilized. However, today you pay a little more and get a little less

Spot On!


and all this time I thought all they grow'd in S.C. was spit backer : o)`

 

Incorrect. Granted, hard to buy ethanol free gas in metropolitan areas and, perhaps, certain states but not here in rural counties. I know they also sell it in Oklahoma. At least three stations advertise and sell ethanol free gas in this area. Want race gas? You can buy that too. Most marinas sell it since ethanol flat screws up boat motors. You do have to pay .15 - .20 cents more for it. Of course, in San Diego County you'd probably get jail time for using it.