Will Ethanol Cars Lead to Energy Independence?
Ethanol cars have been touted as a futuristic and clean technology that can eventually lead to energy independence for the US. The 551 page Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes a provision which mandated that starting in 2006, the average gallon of gas will contain 2.78 percent ethanol. While it is a relatively low percentage, it was still viewed as a gift to the farm states, as it ratchets up the ethanol quota over time, nearly doubling it over the next six years.
This will take it from 4 billion gallons in 2006 to 7.5 billion by 2012. The idea is simple, to use ethanol to stretch more miles out of every barrel of oil the US imports form unstable parts of the world. This is not energy independence, but it is seen as a step in that direction. Unlike other alternative fuels, no vehicle modifications are needed for the mandated ethanol content. It should burn well in all gasoline burners already on the road.