Today in Biofuels Opinion: “If the reason for the Cash for Clunkers program is to pollute less all that’s required is to allow those automobiles to also run in ethanol.”

Growth Energy: “Finalizing the [California Low Carbon Fuel Standard] regulation with the proposed amendments would have serious unintended economic and environmental consequences, both for California and the nation as a whole.”

Al Costa, 1hourflex: “The other day I got an email from a fellow who made an interesting comparison on our system and the US Car Allowance Rebate System “CARS” program (also called “cash for clunkers”).

He pointed out that trading his entire car (an old Dodge if I´m not mistaken) that he still liked to drive just to get a better mileage was like killing mosquitoes with guns, for really all he needed was to improve the fuel injection system and maybe switch to a lesser polluting fuel as well.

Since that’s exactly what we do I could not help feel a sense of satisfaction and even of jealousy that I couldn’t see that point myself. In fact, I already knew well the program and always thought of it as being nothing more than a desperate attempt from at that time failing auto industry to regain some sales with the argument that newer cars pollute less.

Not that this program is unheard of elsewhere: Germany had a very successful one and even Brazil had something similar when it decided to pay people to trade in their old refrigerators for models CFC-free and power-friendly. However, this person made a good point: if the sole reason for the Cash for Clunkers program is to pollute less all that’s required is to allow those automobiles to also run in ethanol.

In fact, it is known that ethanol-run vehicles generate 20 to 30 percent less CO and roughly 15 percent less NOX compared to gasoline-fueled vehicles, due to the fact that the molecule is highly oxygenated. Also, since it naturally cleans the engine (spread some over the gunk under your fridge and you’ll see how fast it cuts through years of oily scum), then it helps keeping it “cholesterol free” and therefore running smoother.

But again, since car ethanol conversions is exactly what we do, it is hard not to be highly biased against the program. Either way, this guy’s vision is correct: if was enough just to upgrade somehow the ignition system. Nature would profit, less money would be spent per person, and therefore more units could be fit into the program.”

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