Many signs on gasoline stations around Norman let potential customers know their gasoline is ethanol free. The warnings serve a two-fold purpose: Some customers believe corn-based fuel has led to the rise in food prices. Others believe adding ethanol leads to reductions in a vehicle's mileage.
The industry says the truth is on its side and now is fighting back. A coalition of ethanol producers is launching its own public relations campaign. They're bypassing the traditional press kits and are starting a?social networking Web site so producers can share information. Call it a "corny" facebook if you will.
Corn takes a beating because of its many uses in food and animal feedlots. New pilot cellulosic fuel plants should begin producing fuel from corn cobs and fiber by the end of the year, according to an Associated Press report from the ethanol meeting.
Congress last year passed legislation requiring 9 billion gallons of ethanol to be blended into gasoline supplies this year. Next year, that amount rises to 11 billion gallons. By 2022, refiners must use 36 billion gallons of ethanol.
Oil companies and ethanol producers will continue to get blamed for the higher fuel prices. Creating fuels from something other than fossil fuels remains expensive. Corn-based plants need to work on their efficiency, producers shared at last week's meeting in Omaha.
Opinion
Ethanol producers say they didn't cause spike
- Opinion
-
-
More government intrusion
Editor, The Transcript: Kudos to Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review Online for telling it like it is (Transcript Opinion, Feb. 12, 2012) regarding President Obama’s religious “overreach.” No, Mr. President, your latest knee-jerk ...
-
Say no to power expansion
A heated House committee meeting last week ended in a 6-5 vote to send a bill to the floor that gives the governor power to remove and replace appointees to state agencies, boards or commissions....
-
Focus should be on water policy legislation
Oklahoma legislative leaders are pushing ahead on water policy legislation, despite the water rights lawsuit filed by American Indian tribes. We applaud Speaker Kris Steele on pushing the water proposals filed by House members....
-
Trooper replacements needed for state’s OHP
Oklahoma’s Highway Patrol has 759 troopers, with 210 eligible to retire and another 26 becoming eligible this year. They certainly won’t all choose to retire at once, but the possibility worries patrol officials. Troop strength is the ...
-
It’s time for Valentine’s Day
If it’s full of hearts and flowers And a cupid with a dart, That’s a card that’s mighty pretty and aimed right for your heart....
-
Oklahoma going from good to great
As most other states struggle to maintain the status quo, Oklahoma is on the rise as a destination to do business and raise a family. Our state added more than 40,000 jobs in the past year, the economy is growing and unemployment remains ...
-
A reprieve for state bases
The Pentagon has released its plans to downsize its forces and eliminate some weapons systems funding, ships and airplanes. But a published report says the state’s five military bases will likely be spared major cuts....
-
Gov. Fallin’s tax plan is one big mistake
Editor, The Transcript: Well, it’s official now. In her State of the State message, Gov. Fallin confirmed that she hopes to reduce the state income tax now and totally eliminate it later. Big mistake, for two compelling reasons....
-
Another Library Vote? Good grief!
Editor, The Transcript A new library on the west side? With hardly any books? With a dumb name above the entry as shown in your rendering? Infoplace? The library bureaucracy must think Norman voters just fell off the turnip truck....
-
Show them some love
Oklahoma joins bus drivers and riders throughout the nation in the “Love the Bus” campaign to raise awareness and appreciation for the thousands of school bus drivers and aides who safely transport children to and from school each day....
- More Opinion Headlines
-
More government intrusion
