The New Petroleum

Abstract

America's dependence on Middle Eastern oil begets dangerous foreign policy compromises, worsens global warming, and strengthens unreliable Persian Gulf countries. Alternatively, the U.S. should get its energy from biomass ethanol, a new fuel that can be produced at home from almost any type of plant or even from agricultural waste. Ethanol is environmentally friendly, compatible with the U.S. transportation system, and as potent a fuel as gasoline. Recent scientific breakthroughs have sharply lowered its production costs. Now Congress must award tax breaks and other incentives to encourage further research and development into this homegrown alternative to a dangerous dependence.