The Facts on Ethanol

> Overview

> Food and Fuel

> Higher Blends

> Performance

> Blender's Credit

> Ethanol Tariff

> Natural Carbon Cycle

> Indirect Land Use Change

> Water Use

> Renewable Fuel Standard

The Facts on Ethanol - Natural Carbon Cycle

Protecting the Environment

Our over-use of fossil fuels continues to strain the environment by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during combustion. Fossil fuels come from carbon sources that have taken millions of years to form. When carbon dioxide from these fuels is released into the atmosphere during combustion, the carbon cycle becomes unbalanced and the C0₂ level rises, contributing to global warming.

On the other hand, energy from ethanol is part of the natural carbon cycle. Ethanol comes from a living carbon source, such as corn crops. When C0₂ emissions are released from ethanol, the carbon is absorbed back into the crop, maintaining a balance of CO₂ in the atmosphere.