10% Ethanol, Heads Up!

[keegs]

I don't know how much the oil companies get in subsidies...what's it cost to keep the 5th fleet in the Persian Gulf?

I'd add that oil makes up about two thirds of our trade deficit. What's that cost us?

And what about national security...What's it worth to have 10% of our motor fuels produced domestically instead of in some unstable part of the world?

 

[beppington]

Somebody better move this to "The Front Porch" quick!! :laughing:

 

[Duffster]

The CBO study referenced earlier said that the tax payer is paying a $1.78 per gallon of ethanol. I don't know of a company that does not get some sort of tax benefit/incentive. The question is which is better for the tax payer. Does Exxon get a tax subsidy of $1.78 a gallon? I would be shocked if it did.

Why should the tax payer be paying $1.78 either for Ethanol or Gas. Both are wrong. And in the case of ethanol the increased price of Corn drives up food costs so we pay far more than just fuel costs.

Later,
Dan

It is claimed by many, even here on TBN, that gasoline would be ~double if not for the gov't helping in various forms.

 

[IslandTractor]

And what about national security...What's it worth to have 10% of our motor fuels produced domestically instead of in some unstable part of the world?

Less than decreasing our energy usage by 10% and then selling that corn as food overseas.

 

[Duffster]

That is one of the weirdest statements I've ever seen on TBN.

I think I am following what he is trying to say.

When ethanol is made 67% of the corn is left as distiller grain. The cow makes better use out of the DG than straight corn to a degree. The DG is also higher in fiber and protein at this point so less of other feeds are required. So in the end not even 33% of the corn is used.

 

[keegs]

Less than decreasing our energy usage by 10% and then selling that corn as food overseas.

Let me know when you've figured out how to get from here to there.

 

[IslandTractor]

Let me know when you've figured out how to get from here to there.

A few simple ideas:
1) Trade out V8 gas for diesel V6 in trucks and SUVs pulling less than 10,000lb
2) Trade in 4 and 6 cylinder diesel or DI gas/turbo for whatever else is in passenger cars these days
3) Crank up the gas tax to encourage more efficient engines and to pay down the deficit (tied to some sort of cap on spending). Works in Europe. I know this is getting political but I'd gladly pay more taxes if it meant conserving fuel so we don't send our treasure and troops overseas to keep us moving.

How is it that our European forebearers seem to be able to travel and do business with about half the fuel per mile we do? Whatever that combo is would be a good target even if we don't cut our use by quite as much.

I just bought a new SUV that averages about 19mpg. That sucks. I'd have gladly traded a couple of seconds in 0-60 for a 25mpg average but didn't have the choice. I was disappointed that the only way I could have purchased a diesel SUV was by forking over $50-60+K to Mercedes, VW BMW or Audi. I'm not that stupid having already suffered for twelve years with my last MB SUV. The Jetta diesel is great but not quite big enough for my purposes. Why can't we get fuel efficient diesels in non luxury vehicles made outside Germany? The Germans only charge an extra grand or two or three for a modern diesel. I'd pay that no question to get 25mpg from an SUV. I would have been happy to pay a premium to buy GM or Ford or any Japanese or Korean brand if they sold one with a modern diesel.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think I am following what he is trying to say.

When ethanol is made 67% of the corn is left as distiller grain. The cow makes better use out of the DG than straight corn to a degree. The DG is also higher in fiber and protein at this point so less of other feeds are required. So in the end not even 33% of the corn is used.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[mmurphy]

I think I am following what he is trying to say.

When ethanol is made 67% of the corn is left as distiller grain. The cow makes better use out of the DG than straight corn to a degree. The DG is also higher in fiber and protein at this point so less of other feeds are required. So in the end not even 33% of the corn is used.

Thanks again Duffster!!!!
I was just waiting for the comment about "food for fuel" that always come up in the ethanol debate. Another thing to add, subsidies have been cut on farmers because corn prices went up. I would much rather see our home land farmers buying HOPEFULLY American made machinery (or from our neighbors to the north) then ..... well I will leave that comment out.

Island tractor, I am wierd!:thumbsup:

 

[IslandTractor]

Island tractor, I am wierd!:thumbsup:

Welcome to the club. See you at the next meeting.