Four ethanol myths debunked by Media Matters for America report
December 1, 2014
| Isabel Lane
Myth #1: The RFS raises food prices
Fact: Ethanol Production Does Not Divert Food Or Raise Prices
- CBO Report: RFS Will Not Significantly Alter Food Prices
- Food Prices Would Be Similar Whether the RFS Was Continued or Repealed
- Only One Percent Of Corn Grown In U.S. Eaten By Humans
- World Bank: Crude Oil Prices Are The Primary Driver Of Food Prices
Myth #2: Ethanol will harm your vehicle
Fact: Rigorous Studies Show That Ethanol Does Not Harm Engines
- DOE: Industry-Funded Study Claiming Ethanol Hurts Engines Is “Significantly Flawed”
- DOE’s More Rigorous Study Found No “Unusual Wear” From E15 On Current Systems
- NREL: Study Found No Remarkable Degradation In Fuel Systems From Mid-’90s Car Models
Myth #3: Ethanol is bad for the environment
Fact: Ethanol Emits Less Pollution, Is Better For Climate Than Conventional Fuel
- Corn-Based Ethanol Produces Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions Over Full Life Cycle
- Cellulosic Ethanol Is Even Better, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Up To 95 Percent
- Increasing The Level Of Ethanol In Gasoline Reduces Smog And Risk Of Cancer
Myth #4: Ethanol is heavily subsidized
Fact: Fossil Energy Subsidies Far Outweigh Renewable Fuel Subsidies
- Oil And Gas Have Received The Majority Of Federal Support Historically — $490 Billion Total
- Oil And Gas Received Greater Share Of Subsidies During Crucial Development Period
- Fossil Fuels Still Receive Substantial Subsidies
Category: Fuels