Corn Ethanol

The Energy Fix
The Energy Fix talks about all the ways that the United States can limit its dependence on foreign oil by talking about several different alternative energies.   Wind energy, for example, could potentially produce 1,040 billion kWh of energy. The price of wind energy has dropped tremendously in past years, and every day better, more efficient wind turbines are being developed. Researchers are also hoping to tap into the energy produced by waves. By 2008, a system of 400 offshore wave energy converters off the coast of Portugal will be able to produce power for around 15,000 homes. Although the energy produced by waves does not rival that of wind turbines, experts say that there are advantages. For one, wave generators are much less conspicuous than wind turbines. Another reason, experts say, is because waves are more predictable than winds. The tides can be predicted 100 years from now, but winds are much harder to forecast.
There is also untapped potential in solar energy.   Every hour the sun emits enough energy to fill the entire world’s power needs. Right now, solar panels are only about 15% efficient. Scientists hope that by increasing efficiency while lowering costs, solar energy can be harnessed more effectively.
The article also suggests that we look into geothermal energy. Scientists are working to create geothermal reservoirs that can be mined for energy potentially producing up to 240 billion kWh of energy. Even changing the way power is distributed or using hydrogen-powered fuel cells could produce more eco-friendly energy.
The article predicts that hybrid cars will be immensely important to the “new energy era”. Hybrid electric vehicles could be huge in the U.S. fight to end its dependence on oil, but there are littler things that could be done. Studies have shown that if every car had ventilated seats, air-conditioning related gasoline consumption would drop 7.5%. Even using cold water instead of hot water in the washing machine...