Ethanol vs. Petroleum

Term Paper # 104730

Environmental Studies > Economics and Policy

This paper explores the pros and cons of ethanol as a substitute for petroleum.

1,167 words () | 10 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explains the limitations and disadvantages of using petroleum and discusses the interest of American consumers in switching to automobiles powered by ethanol. The paper also looks at the position of the government and oil companies and looks at the subgroups of consumers and framers who would be the most affected. In addition, the paper discusses the drawbacks of using ethanol but concludes with a personal position that supports ethanol as a long-tern alternative.

Outline:
Problems with Petroleum
Existing Market for Petroleum and Ethanol
Causes in Market Shifts
Response of Companies and the Government
Subgroups Affected
Conclusions of Experts
My Personal Position

From the Paper:

"Not only is petroleum a depleting resource, but vehicle emissions running on petroleum have created a pollution problem in the United States and most of the industrialized world. These emissions have increased the green house gases in the earth's atmosphere and in turn have led to global warming. Billionaire businessman Ted Turner has helped bring this issue to the forefront of the energy debate, stating, "'I think dealing with climate change is going to be the biggest single challenge humanity has ever faced, and we're facing it now'" (Dittrick, 2007, p. 26)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Addressing Our Rising Energy Costs: Rep. McMorris Votes to Increase Refinery Capacity, Prevent Price Gouging (2006). US Federal News Service.
Cook, Christopher D. (2006). Business, as Usual? Ethanol Could Be a Huge Boost to Small Farmers and the Rural Economy. But Unless We Are Vigilant the Big Winners Could Be the Usual Suspects." The American Prospect, 17(4), pp. 25-26.
Dittrick, Paula (2007). Execs Discuss Global Warming with Turner, Wirth. Oil & Gas Journal, 105(7), pp. 25-26.
Douglass, Elizabeth, & Wilson, Janet (2007, January 10). Is Ethanol the Heart of the Government's Idea?: Activists and Experts Offer Mixed Reactions to the Gas Alternative After the Call for a Low-Carbon fuel Initiative Features a Key Backer of Ethanol. Los Angeles Times, p. B3.
Freysinger, Carol, & Wills, Jean (2007). NIOP Annual Convention. International News on Fats, Oils and Related Materials: INFORM, 18(5), p. 395.