Future of Going Green and Green Renewable Energy

No matter what side of the “green” aisle you are on I would hope that we can all agree that the United States has been severely sold out by not only the oil industry but also government leaders. Our dependence on oil has reached epic proportions and we can't be so blind as to not share the blame along with several entities for allowing it. This crisis has brought green technology to the forefront of debate. This was also at the heart of a meeting which took place on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011, at the Shenandoah High School Auditorium.

A very informative presentation was presented to the public by Growth Energy which is chaired by Tom Buis and co-chaired by Retired General Wesley Clark. The presentation involved an almost one-hour-long film and piggybacked on the precepts and success of our own Green Plains Renewable Energy. Alternative fuels was strongly advocated but specifically the use of corn – hence ethanol.

For me, personally, I understand that there are always sixteen sides to every issue and it's important to understand them all before making any firm and informed decisions. I do know that we are way too involved and dependent in foreign oil. I'm all for liberating people from tyranny and oppression but when our military is sent into places where there may be our “energy interests” at stake then that's where a line needs to be drawn and we, as a nation, need to take a good look at ourselves.

Don't get me wrong. I wholly support our military servicemen who protect our interests overseas and seek to reduce the power of Al-Qaeda. However, we live in a society of many layers of unmentioned reasons and intentions for every action. I have to believe that a part of why we are so involved in the fighting effort, no matter how small that part may be, is because without THAT oil over there our own livelihood and economy would crumble. This is where the shame is and this is what I mean when I say I support the military effort but question the entirety of our reasons there.

Really, this is a quagmire that's been forming for decades. Any leader in office feels compelled to protect those interests because to not do so would make that leader unfavored among his/her constituents. For decades we have been weened from the skill of independence to a culture of servitude and dependence. Great modern cities and palaces are being built in desert sands with the wealth we supply while hundreds of thousand of our own men, women and children suffer to live under bridges or in appalling conditions. There is an obvious disconnect here and it takes the form of a noose with which we shall one day hang ourselves with lest other action be taken.

The presentation was interesting. A few things I learned in the presentation were:

• The corn used for ethanol is by and large not the corn we consume but rather the corn used in feed lots for livestock. This was interesting because I've heard many times the allegation that ethanol production is raising the cost of food. Apparently this was inaccurate.
• The corn used for ethanol is for the most part returned as feed source in the form of ethanol byproduct. This is product that is produced or left over after the entire ethanol process is complete.
• Algae production right here at Shenandoah's GPRE is having much success and is even at stage 2.5 out of 3 from being commercialized.
• Ethanol is not new. Henry Ford used ethanol before gasoline exclusively from the beginning of his company up until the start of Prohibition. That was interesting to me!
• The cost of an hybrid or flex fuel vehicle is a sham. The actual cost to make a car compatible with ethanol 85 is about $40-$50. The difference is the coating of the tank, some type of fuel line and a microchip. That's it!
• Green Plains in Shenandoah uses the city's gray water and not the water feeding into our homes. This waste water is used as a coolant at the plant.

There were many more things learned but it's important to note that we are releasing carbon into our air supply by burning a non-renewable source. The healthiest initiative is to harness the power in our own environment. Corn for ethanol is renewable. Algae is renewable. The same can be said for wind and solar. I also didn't know that there is an increased demographic of ailments among populations near oil refineries. If true than it's a testament that we need to steer into a new (or old according to Henry Ford) direction.

Yes, this presentation was a plug for ethanol and a push to raise awareness of our oil dependence. I know that there are perspectives, pro and con, to every side. I know that by shifting energy sources you cut a job in the oil industry and a source of income for a family. However, if the claimed benefits of ethanol and renewable energy sources is true then it must be the avenue we need to take. Furthermore, if we can steadily create jobs in the process of this shift even approaching the workforce of the oil industry than we can accomplish energy independence while adapting our own culture to the changing times.

Right here in Shenandoah we have a great opportunity to learn how GPRE works. We also have cutting edge technology and research taking place right here with algae. The more we learn the more we can contribute and teach others.

It all starts in the home. We must teach our youth the need of independence and self reliance. Do this in the home. Do this that they may maximize their integrity and self worth when they live out in the “real world” and raise their own families. Teach them the value of energy and how it's brought to bear both in the oil industry and ethanol. As we raise this independent awareness we'll be better prepared as a community to support initiatives that help cut the ties of financial and energy dependence.

I don't classify myself as “green” or even pro oil. I do, however, consider myself an American that is FOR the American family and especially the surety of it's future. Right now my focus is on the American families in Shenandoah, Iowa. I believe we live amidst opportunity. I believe we have energy sources all around us both that we have technology to harvest and even sources yet not identified. For us in the Shenandoah area I believe we need to embrace ethanol and have pride in where it's being produced.

From this meeting I have gained a deeper appreciation for Mother Earth and what she's supplied us with – opportunity!