BEWARE OF BIOFUELS: As food prices soar, a global backlash is growing against biofuels. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is the latest high-profile government official to concede that using vaster amounts of croplands for ethanol contributes to
escalating food prices. One U.N. official recently called biofuels a "
crime against humanity." The biofuel industry cannot sustain itself on the free energy market with normal supply and demand ratios. That's why the industry requires constant subsidies and incentives from governments and taxpayers. Third World countries, which deal with food inflation and shortages unthinkable in the U.S., suffer the most from the diversion of agricultural production to ethanol and biofuels.
EATING PAINS: Chauffeured transportation operators should take a long, critical look at biofuel vehicles. More sensible options, such has hybrid, propane, natural gas, and fuel cell engines, are in aggressive development. Remember, your average American struggling with high-food costs now pays far more for such basic staples as cereal and milk. Unfortunately, hysteria over global warming has prompted the political zealotry behind biofuel that constricts food supplies and drives up prices. Food banks in the U.S. are being inundated with people unable to cope with rising food bills. Since so many crops are now being used for fuels that really don't reduce carbon emissions when you factor in the energy needed to produce them in the first place, maybe biofuel advocates can try some ethanol on a bowl of cereal or some switchgrass on a morning muffin. That certainly would be comparable to the unpleasant tastes and choices forced upon many consumers worldwide.
SOLUTION: Chauffeured transportation companies and their clients should boycott biofuel vehicles and insist on either fossil-fueled cars or hybrids until more usable fuel-cell, propane, electric, and natural gas vehicles are developed and adapted for mass transportation uses.
ASK YOURSELF: Is a hungry child worth an elitist, ill-informed, preening eco-statement?
-- posted by Martin Romjue
Print | posted on Monday, April 28, 2008 12:58 PM