Ethanol and water do mix, says the Western Farm Press

From the Western Farm Press, this rebuttal to the recent U of M report about ethanol production:

A recent study from the University of Minnesota claims that ethanol production is resulting in a dramatic increase in water use, larger than was previously thought. However, by looking at water use in isolation, the report fails to take into account numerous factors that must be part of the water use discussion.

“Expansion of America’s renewable fuels industry is occurring with the most efficient use of natural resources like water in mind,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “Ethanol producers are investing in new technologies that reduce water use, improve efficiency, and employ feedstocks in addition to grain for ethanol production. It is important that these worst-case scenarios offered by the University of Minnesota are not allowed to overshadow the improvements being made in farming and renewable fuel technologies.”

Context is critical when discussing water use. Notably, the paper fails to mention or explore in depth key factors including:

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that 96 percent of all the corn used in ethanol production comes from non-irrigated acres. Moreover, less less than 15% of the total corn crop is irrigated.

In addition, that vast majority of ethanol production and expansion relies on corn produced where irrigation is the exception and not the rule. The report makes much of its suggested water use for ethanol production in California. This paper fails to account for the fact that virtually all of the corn for ethanol production in California comes from the Midwest, not California.

Read more from the Western Farm Press by clicking here.

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