Aussies reject ethanol, carbon offsets in national consumer survey

In Australia, a survey by insurance group AMMI found that more than half of Australian drivers will not use ethanol in their cars, due to concerns of engine damage. The survey also found that 13 percent of Aussies would not use ethanol because it was too expensive, despite the fact that ethanol costs less than standard fuel.

State Regional Development Minister Tony Kelly blend a ’scare campaign’ against ethanol, according to Australia’s ABC news service, and said that “Australians need to get on board with the rest of the world and come to accept the use of biofuels,” he said.

The survey asked about Australian attitudes towards carbon offsets, and found that 13 percent currently offset their car usage, 25 percent would pay up to $50 per year for offsets, 10 percent up to $100 per year, and 4 percent would be willing to pay between $100 and $200 per year to offset their carbon usage. At $15 per ton, the average driver would need to pay A$97 for carbon offsets per year.

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