National Post: Negative Consequences of Increased Ethanol Usage Far Outweigh the Positive

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Page Title:National Post: Negative Consequences of Increased Ethanol Usage Far Outweigh the Positive – C.D. Howe Institute
Article Title:National Post: Negative Consequences of Increased Ethanol Usage Far Outweigh the Positive
URL:https://cdhowe.org/publication/national-post-negative-consequences-increased-ethanol-usage-far-outweigh-positive/
Published Date:August 7, 2008
Accessed Date:February 16, 2025

The Thursday, August 7, 2008 edition of the National Post features an opinion piece by William Robson, President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute, which discusses the Ontario government’s requirement that sellers of gasoline mix 5% ethanol in their fuel. Robson cites problems for consumers associated with ethanol being added to gasoline, such as water-laden ethanol separating and sinking to the bottom of gas tanks in boats and ethanol causing the breakdown of parts commonly found in marine, chain-saw and pump engines. However, what Robson finds most troublesome is that the premise behind forcing ethanol on consumers is misguided. While replacing gasoline and other fossil fuels with ethanol is supposed to lessen the emission of greenhouse gases, the production of corn based ethanol has many environmental consequences. In addition, Robson notes that the diversion of agricultural land to ethanol production will result in upward pressure on food prices, which will undoubtedly have a negative impact on Canadian consumers. Robson believes that ethanol advocates, politicians and public servants who have staked their professional careers on biofuels will insist that the policy brings a large benefit at a small price. However, for Canadian consumers the unintended consequences of a mandate to buy unreliable fuel could impose a cost few of us would readily pay. National Post. Thursday, August 7, 2008. Page: FP14.Section: FP Comment. Byline: William Robson. Source: Financial Post.

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