Compared with gasoline, it produces 12% less “greenhouse” gasses, according to the study. But the researchers also said it has environmental drawbacks, including “markedly greater” releases of nitrogen, phosphorous and pesticides into waterways as runoff from corn fields. Ethanol, especially at higher concentrations in gasoline, also produce more smog-causing pollutants than gasoline per unit of energy burned, the researchers said.
“There’s a lot of green in the money that’s going into ethanol, but perhaps not so much green is coming out as far as the environment,” said Hill, the lead author, in a telephone interview.
I can agree with that. If the government wasn’t meddling in the Ethanol business, the market would be free to find the most efficient way to produce it. In this case, I agree wholeheartedly that farm subsidies are getting in the way.
Out of curiosity, what year is your Goldwing? I can’t imagine something like that happening to a model made after 1995. Still, I agree it sucks. About five years ago I considered buying a 1985 GL1200, but I bought a 2003 Nighthawk 750 and customized it for touring instead.
Just to be clear, I agree there are big problems with corn-based Ethanol. However, I think it has promise if we can get the corn lobby, and consequently, the government out of the way.