Breaking the Nation's Oil Addiction: Is Ethanol the Cure?
Abstract
High gas prices, instability in the Middle East, growing concerns over the environment, amidst this backdrop the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1977 were born. Fast forward thirty plus years. Once again the United States finds itself suffering from high gas prices. It is entrenched in Middle East affairs in an effort to stabilize that region of the world. Now the nation faces the major environmental problem of global warming stemming from its burning of fossil fuel. Many people conclude the nation's motor gasoline consumption lies at the root of the current dilemma. Although nearly everyone tackling this issue agrees that there is no silver bullet, which will solve the nation's addiction to petroleum. A growing number of advocates point to alternative fuels as a possible means to break the cycle of oil dependence. The use of such fuels may lower gas prices, strengthen national security, and address environmental issues that are associated with burning fossil fuels. Currently, ethanol is the alternative fuel grabbing headlines. Ethanol supporters are at every level of government as well as in the business arena. But, can ethanol really free the nation from oil's grip? Can it delivery on its promise of a cheaper and cleaner fuel source?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA462764
Entities
People
- Bryan B. Davis
Organizations
- George Washington University