Our society has recently undergone a shift towards greener living. People have grown more aware of how their actions seriously a
nd negatively impact the environment. Many are seeking out new ways to decrease pollution levels and to find cleaner energy sources to power their homes and businesses. Ethanol is an increasingly popular fuel alternative to gasoline, made from distilled, fermented corn. The benefits of ethanol include lowering the amount of harmful carbon dioxide gases released into the air by burning fossil fuels like gasoline, as well as decreasing the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. Though many people support the production of ethanol for use as an alternative fuel, most of them ignore the serious drawbacks of ethanol use.
One important economic factor in producing ethanol is its influence on the price of corn. Corn prices have more than doubled since 2005 because of increased demand, according to financial experts. Farmers know that corn is highly sought after, so they allot more space on their farms to grow large amounts of corn. This leaves less room for growing other kinds of crops, such as wheat or soybeans. These smaller amounts force suppliers to raise the prices of these now secondary crops as well. Bread and cereal manufactures are also involved in the economics of ethanol. These companies then pass rising costs of their crops to consumers, leading to higher prices at the grocery store.
Corn is also a common source of food for livestock. Many farmers are now struggling to feed their herds of cows, chickens, and pigs. The increased cost of feeding their animals has forced many farmers to reduce the size of their herds, decreasing the supply of meat available to consumers. Shoppers are certain to see the prices of beef, chicken, and pork increase if corn prices continue to skyrocket. Unfortunately, hardworking farmers and ranchers see very little profits from this increase in price. Many of them oppose ethanol as an alternative fuel source because of the extreme impact it is having on their way of life.
In addition, opponents of ethanol note that government subsidies cost American taxpayers more money. State and federal government subsidy programs offer tax credits to gas stations for each gallon of ethanol they mix in with the gasoline they sell. Government programs also supply companies that produce ethanol with corn! Where does the government get the money for these subsidies? Money for these projects comes from our—the taxpayers’—pockets. These costs are in addition to rising fuel prices, which are currently almost four dollars per gallon. Many people are disappointed in ethanol because they believed that it would help reduce the price at the pump, not increase it. Overall, it would be more cost-effective for everyone if the government pursued other options for fuel and energy sources.
Ethanol has some benefits. However, overenthusiastic supporters should consider all sides of the issue before taking actions that are already putting America’s economy in a precarious position. Ethanol is not the answer to our economic and environmental problems. Instead of focusing on a technology that is too costly to be practical, we should be encouraging our government to continue investing in other alternatives. Only then will we see our food and energy prices stabilize.
Which of these points clearly states the position of the author and demonstrates awareness of task, purpose, and audience?
A) Our society has recently undergone a shift towards greener living.
B) People have grown more aware of how their actions seriously and negatively impact the environment.
C) Ethanol is an increasingly popular fuel alternative to gasoline, made from distilled, fermented corn.
D) Though many people support the production of ethanol for use as an alternative fuel, most of them ignore the serious drawbacks of ethanol use.
