Commentaries

Using corn for ethanol carries its own negative impact
 October 11, 2005

 So, Governor Pawlenty has decided to endorse the use of ethanol as a viable alternative to gas. [MPR News: Pawlenty pumps ethanol] Caution! Although the effects of the corn-based derivative on the environment are relatively benign, (with the exception of the explosive nature of the fuel,) there has been much discussion about how corn itself is produced.

Corn requires high amounts of fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides in order to maximize yields. Among other things, one of the harmful byproducts of these chemicals is nitrate that leaches into natural water ways and other water sources and has been linked to various environmental concerns including "dead zones" in coastal waters as well as cancer and other adverse health effects in humans. Intense soil erosion is also linked to the production of corn, which will only be exacerbated by the reliance on corn to produce ethanol.

It will be up to environmentalists to point the Governor's Ethanol Coalition towards other sources of ethanol production such as switch grass which not only requires less chemical maintenance, but also prevents erosion and filters pollutants.

Miguel Granger
Minneapolis, MN
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