An interesting piece over at AutoBlog saying that yet another commitee will ask if the Big Oil companies are standing in the way of Alternative Fuels, specifically Bio Diesel and Ethanol. They can save their time and our money, the answer is yes and it shouldn't be a surprise. They're called "Big Oil" for a reason. Concerned only with profit, unless the government offers incentives and passes legislation pushing for Alternative Fuels, don't expect to see Exon/Mobil or any of the others to start distributing or producing Bio Fuels anytime soon. And since Big Oil controls most of the fuel pumps nationwide, that means that even if the auto manufacturers build the vehicles capable of burning these cleaner fuels, you'll be hard pressed to fill the tank.
2 comments:
I share your concern for the environment and your enthusiasm for bio-fuels, but I cannot agree that "Big Oil" is an obstacle.
Most retailers are perfectly free to convert current under-performing tanks and dispensers like kerosene and diesel, to ethanol. There are retailers all over North and South Carolina who have done so, at minimal expense. These retailers are being supplied by one distributor who handles ethanol only. (Osage, Inc. Roanoke, Virginia)
The problem is demand. When enough flex-fuelers are sold and people are properly educated as to what ethanol can do for our economy and our security, then they will DEMAND E85 and biodiesel from their retailer, and they will get it.
I don't think the oil industy is so much against ethanol as they are asleep at the wheel.
I can tell you that GM and this GM dealer are serious about educating people, (and your blog does the same) and it is working. The enthusiasm for ethanol is......well.....intoxicating.
Joe,
Have you also been following Autoblog Green? It covers more of the issues including Ford's work in the segment
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