Letter to the Editor

Biofuel production creates jobs

Sunday, July 18, 2010

To the Editor:

Recent focus has been on the oil spill in the Gulf.

To shift the focus, recent attacks on domestic biofuels contributing to the Gulf's "dead zone" have surfaced.

These attacks claim that fertilizer run-off from ethanol corn production contributes to higher nitrogen levels to the Mississippi River.

These attacks are erroneous and signify a desperate attempt to dim the spotlight on the Gulf oil spill.

Growing up on a farm, I've seen first-hand how erosion prevention works.

In the last decade, more conservation and residue management techniques have been put in place that actually stop run-off residue.

In addition, biofuels like ethanol can actually prevent run-off by absorbing excess fertilizer from idle fields and capture carbon dioxide as they grow.

When are we going to realize that biofuel production is creating jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening our nation's security?

Sincerely,

Brad McMahan,

Indianapolis