Oregon State professor gives failing grade to corn ethanol based on cost, energy and greenhouse gas accounting

An Oregon State University assistant professor presented findings on ethanol based on cost, energy and greenhouse gas accounting, showing that ethanol does not measure up in any of the three scenarios. Corn was used as the ethanol feedstock. Professor Egelkraut said that increasing gas taxes and fuel efficiency standards were better propositions.

Last summer, a similar study from Oregon State projected that biofuels adoption would reduce Oregon’s fossil fuel usage by only one percent, and be 6 to 15 times as costly as tax incentives aimed at curbing gasoline usage.

The study’s authors did not indicate the extent to which new information was prepared for the November report.

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