Biological Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 1-10 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 8 4 Ethanol Fuel's Environmental and Social Impact on the United States Ethanol fuel, as a renewable energy source, has wide-ranging effects on the environment and society in the United States. Its production and usage involve various stages such as biomass harvesting, production processes, transportation, and consumption, which have significant impacts on aspects including the environment, energy security, and the economy. 4.1 Environmental impact Regarding the environment, the application of ethanol fuel can reduce petroleum use, consequently lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Studies have shown that ethanol fuel can reduce the emissions of harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere (Farrell et al., 2006). However, the use of ethanol fuel also poses certain environmental challenges. The primary feedstock for ethanol fuel is corn, and the cultivation of corn and the production of ethanol fuel require significant land and water resources. According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, producing one gallon of ethanol fuel consumes between 2,500 and 29,000 gallons of water, potentially putting pressure on local water resources (Dominguez-faus et al., 2009). If these resources are acquired and utilized improperly, it can have consequences on water and energy supplies and, in turn, lead to irreversible effects on ecosystems (Searchinger et al., 2008). Furthermore, the application of ethanol fuel can result in excessive land clearing and loss of biodiversity (Fargione et al., 2008). The production and transportation of ethanol fuel require substantial energy and chemical substances, which can also have adverse environmental impacts. 4.2 Food impact The production of ethanol fuel requires substantial amounts of food and water resources, which can lead to food supply shortages and price increases, thereby having adverse effects on agricultural production and food security. The production of ethanol fuel heavily relies on crops such as corn, which can affect food prices. According to data from the United States National Agricultural Statistics Service and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), ethanol fuel production in the United States has shown significant growth. Since 2000, U.S. ethanol fuel production has increased from approximately 1.7 billion gallons to about 16 billion gallons in 2019. Since 2005, ethanol fuel production has become a major consumer of U.S. corn, which has had an impact on the corn market. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's data, the proportion of U.S. corn used for ethanol production has increased from about 15% in 2000 to approximately 38% in 2019. This means that a significant amount of corn is being used for ethanol production rather than as food or animal feed. As the demand for ethanol fuel production continues to rise, there may be pressure on corn supplies, potentially leading to higher corn prices. This can be a challenge for both farmers and consumers, especially those who rely on corn as a primary food source. Furthermore, because food resources are used for ethanol production, this can have negative consequences for agricultural production and food security. Farmers may face greater pressure to plant crops, while the prices of other agricultural products may also be affected. Additionally, food supply shortages can have global implications for food security and result in rising food prices. 4.3 Energy use impact The production and transportation of ethanol fuel consume significant amounts of energy, which can also have negative environmental impacts. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2019, the production of ethanol fuel in the United States consumed over 150 million tons of corn and 22 million tons of natural gas, among other resources. The production process also results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, ethanol fuel has a lower energy density compared to traditional fuels, which means that more fuel is needed to provide the same amount of energy. This results in relatively shorter driving ranges for vehicles. There are also issues related to heterogeneity and compatibility among different types of ethanol fuels, which can lead to certain vehicles being unable to use specific types of ethanol fuel, limiting their applicability.
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