Look at the facts on ethanol
The Bismark Tribune
As America looks to create jobs, clean our environment and increase our energy independence, home-grown ethanol can help us achieve all three of these important goals. That's why I don't understand why some folks continue to spread false rumors, largely started by foreign oil interests, and outdated information about ethanol as a recent letter writer did.
Let's look at the facts.
Over the past two years alone, multiple comprehensive studies involving over 100 vehicles have been completed to evaluate the affects of ethanol-gasoline blends above 10 percent. This exhaustive peer-reviewed research has shown that vehicles can run on higher blends of ethanol, including E15, without any impact on performance or maintenance.
That may not have been the case 20 years ago, but because of advancements in both ethanol production and engine manufacturing, you won't see any performance problems if the federal government allows E15 blends. Remember this is not a mandate that all gasoline blends contain 15 percent, it simply allows for that choice at the pump for those who wish to choose that product.
And the writer of the recent anti-ethanol letter also pushes the ridiculous theory that ethanol is somehow worse for the environment than oil. Those who push this scheme believe that when a North Dakota farmer plants an acre of corn he is responsible for deforestation in South America. This indirect land use theory has been widely discredited by most scientists.
Finally, increased use of ethanol will create jobs here in North Dakota and help slow the steady stream of American dollars that is sent every day to Middle East oil sheiks - many of whom don't care much for America.
But don't just take my word for it. Visit www.goe15.com to learn more about the science behind higher ethanol blends and the impact they could have on our environment and economy.
Once you look at the facts, I think you'll agree we need more American-made ethanol and less foreign oil going into our gas tanks.
(Jeff Zueger is the general manager of Blue Flint Ethanol.)
