UNICA says sugarcane ethanol “is a better alternative fuel for the environment than electricity.”

In Brazil, the LA Times is reporting on the Brazilian sugar and ethanol’s continuing push to open up US markets for its ethanol. According to the report, the sugar and ethanol trade association UNICA is suggesting that sugarcane ethanol “is a better alternative fuel for the environment than electricity.” The article also reports on the Natural Resources Defense Council’s contention that “rising acreage dedicated to sugar in Brazil may be forcing farmers of other crops into the Amazon basin, causing deforestation that could negate some of the cane-based fuel’s benefits.” Ethanol now represents 55 percent of all fuel sold in Brazil.

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