Paper Summary:

The paper states that the US is the largest producer of corn in the world, with the massive overproduction currently directed to producing ethanol. This paper examines the issues relating to corn ethanol production and comparisons are made between corn ethanol and other oil based fuels, as well as a comparison between corn ethanol and other forms of biofuel which have recently been developed.

Outline:
Introduction
Corn Ethanol and Oil Fuels
Importance of Corn Biofuel
Production of Corn Biofuel
Energy Input to Production
Ethanol Practical and Competitive Uses
Other Biofuels
Biologically Based Ethanol
Biodiesel
The Future of Biofuels
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Early reports showed that there was a requirement for more energy in the process of producing ethanol than the energy source would release and there were several other studies in the twenty years which followed which confirmed these findings. The majority of this energy is assumed to come from fossil fuels (Pimentel and Patzek), which implies that corn ethanol is actually no better than simply using fossil fuels when production is taken into account. It has also been shown that the burning of corn ethanol in automobiles also contributes significantly to air pollution. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Berndes, G., M. Hoogwijk and R. Van der Broek. "The contribution of biomass in the future global energy supply." Biomass and Bioenergy 25 (2003): 1-28.
• Cleveland, C.J. "Net energy from the extraction of oil and gas in the United States." Energy 30 (2005): 769.
• Farrell, Alexander E., Richard J. Plevin, Brian T. Turner, Andrew D. Jones, Michael O'Hare and Daniel M. Kammen. "Ethanol cam contribute to energy and environmental goals." Science 311.5760 (2006): 506-508.
• Hodge, C. "Ethanol use in US gasoline should be banned, not expanded." Oil and Gas Journal. 9 September 2002: 20-30.
• McCain, J. Statement of Senator McCain on Energy Bill: Press Release. November 2003.

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