Energy Independence Archive
Mar 1, 2016
Cellulosic ethanol is made from the stems, leaves, stalks, and trunks of plants, none of which is used for human food production.
Cellulosic Ethanol
As more and more corn grain is diverted to make ethanol, some groups have become concerned about food shortages. Dr. Bruce Dale, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) chemical engineering and materials science researcher, has used life cycle analysis tools, which include agricultural data and computer modeling, to study the sustainability of producing biofuels – fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel that are made from renewable resources.
Feb 7, 2016
Because of modern technology, all biomass (plants and trees) is a source of sugar and energy.
Energy Crops
All plants, including trees and grasses, are made of carbohydrates, combined with lignin and a small percentage of oils and proteins (although some plants and vegetables are known for their high percentage of oil or protein, they are the exception).
Feb 6, 2016
Henry Waxman’s influence, through Section 526 of the Energy Bill, will block U.S. progress toward energy independence similar to Ronald Reagan’s opposition to synthetic fuels.
Synthetic Fuels
The USA possesses the world’s largest reserves of “unconventional” oil — coal, and oil shale — estimated to be the equivalent of 1 trillion barrels of oil or more. One trillion barrels of synthetic fuels produced from American coal and oil shale could supply the U.S. with an additional 15 million barrels of oil per day for the next 180 years. Future technology could double or triple that amount. Why, then, is the USA exporting its wealth to foreign countries instead of using the money to develop synthetic fuels from American coal and shale? Why are U.S. citizens allowing it?