Jim Stillman
NevarKudzu, the vine that ate the south, gains some love
December 23rd 2008 11:13
Back in July, 2007, I suggested that Kudzu, a prolific and bothersome weed-vine that can be found mostly in the southeastern part of the United States could be a possible source of ethanol replacing at least a portion of the petroleum we consume at an enormous cost, economically and politically. In that article, Really Long Link the history and nature of Kudzu is discussed, including the extremely rapid growth, how it virtually impossible to kill, and needs no care. If ignored, it will quickly cover anything in its path,
Trees
even houses.
It is time that the Federal government put in the time, money and resources to develop Kudzu as a renewable bio-fuel source. The present focus on rewarding the oil companies with drilling rights in wilderness areas, off the coast and elsewhere in environmentally fragile landscapes may be a fine way to reward campaign contributors but it’s a lousy way to look to the future.
Now it seems that at least one private non-government supported company is prepared to go forward in producing fuel from Kudzu, Agro* Gas Industries, based in Tennessee.
One of the problems with the widespread production of Ethanol is that it is made from a human food source, reducing corn’s availability for food or as a food for animals and, thereby, raising the cost of both direct corn for food and meat.
Agro*Gas Industries, founder Doug Mizell claims that his fuel eliminates that competition. He asserts that by utilizing unwanted or currently useless plant and waste products his company will produce a "Bio-Fuel" (ethanol) that can compete favorably with fossil fuels (petroleum). He stresses that they do not use commodity crops currently grown for human or animal consumption!
Agro*Gas’ operation will serve local farmers and wide-spread sale and consumption of kudzu-fuel is some distance away. But this is an instance of a company willing to invest its own money, without government expense, to create a possible alternative to Big Oil’s obscene robbery of the American public and the control of OPEC over our lives
Trees
even houses.
It is time that the Federal government put in the time, money and resources to develop Kudzu as a renewable bio-fuel source. The present focus on rewarding the oil companies with drilling rights in wilderness areas, off the coast and elsewhere in environmentally fragile landscapes may be a fine way to reward campaign contributors but it’s a lousy way to look to the future.
Now it seems that at least one private non-government supported company is prepared to go forward in producing fuel from Kudzu, Agro* Gas Industries, based in Tennessee.
One of the problems with the widespread production of Ethanol is that it is made from a human food source, reducing corn’s availability for food or as a food for animals and, thereby, raising the cost of both direct corn for food and meat.
Agro*Gas Industries, founder Doug Mizell claims that his fuel eliminates that competition. He asserts that by utilizing unwanted or currently useless plant and waste products his company will produce a "Bio-Fuel" (ethanol) that can compete favorably with fossil fuels (petroleum). He stresses that they do not use commodity crops currently grown for human or animal consumption!
Agro*Gas’ operation will serve local farmers and wide-spread sale and consumption of kudzu-fuel is some distance away. But this is an instance of a company willing to invest its own money, without government expense, to create a possible alternative to Big Oil’s obscene robbery of the American public and the control of OPEC over our lives
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Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
My understanding of any Government's reluctance to pursue Ethanol is that is would cause major disruption to the food chain.
Now this claim challenges that. So why are Governments so reluctant to explore this?
Janet
PS A very Merry Christmas to you Jim. I hope you have something nice planned.
Comment by Michael 2
Zed Power
PoetrymanPoetry
National Poetry Month
Go Green or Go Home
Energy Independence Now!
Digital Dreams