Editor Note: An interesting historical note is that ethanol as a motor fuel was victimized by Prohibition, a subject discussed back in 2016 by Marc Rauch. In this discussion/debate, ethanol-proponent Rauch and ethanol-critic Michael Lynch share their thoughts on the quality and competitiveness of ethanol as a viable alternative to petroleum-based transportation products. Part II tomorrow concludes this series.
Lynch Technically, a wide variety of engines and fuels can be used to power vehicles, from steam and electricity to hydrogen and even water. At present, although compressed natural gas and electric vehicles are in use, most road transport remains powered by gasoline or diesel. For its part, gasoline must have a certain octane level or it burns imperfectly, creating engine knock. A number of additives have been used historically to ensure the octane rating is high enough for best engine performance, including lead, MTBE, and ethanol. …
“A recent Politico article on the bad messaging of Democrats on climate and energy, Democrats Bite on Burgers and Straws–and Republicans Feast, is fair warning. It is high time the hometown paper of the center of the oil and gas industry stop the blatant bias against the very energies that consumers naturally prefer.”
There is no representation for conservatives or libertarians on the editorial board of the Houston Chronicle. So when it comes to energy, fossil fuels (because of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions) are seen as the enemy of the climate rather than a greening agent; protection against heat, cold, and precipitation; and a first responder after weather extremes.
Mineral energies in capitalist settings have much to do with the precipitous drop of climate-related deaths in the last century–and are essential to human betterment going forward.…
“In 1896, Thomas Edison wisely told Henry Ford to steer clear of electric vehicles. And today, battery propulsion remains less efficient than on-board combustion for a variety of technical and market reasons. Attempts to get around the inefficiency add humor to an otherwise dry subject.”
It’s hard to be “green.” Ask Al Gore, whose carbon footprint must be among the highest in America (home electricity usage + SUV trips + private plane rides). Same for Leonard DiCaprio’s yacht. John Holdren, Obama’s alarmist-in-chief, also violates the I = PAT equation while having fun fishing.
I was reminded of this when reading the latest Musings from the Oil Patch of G. Allen Brooks of the energy investment banking firm PPHB. His “Pictures Reflecting the Reality of Our Green World” offered three examples (below).…