Facts Needed for 'Daily Show'
Exchange on Comedy Central gave incorrect sense of current ethanol technology.
Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 6, 2009
The Daily Show with John Stewart is a faux new show on Comedy Central. And when Stewart stated that ethanol is worse for the environment than gasoline his mistake got the attention of guest and former Vice President Al Gore. Mr. Gore corrected him in part, pointing to the next generation ethanol technologies that have even greater potential as part of the environmental solution.
According to the Renewable Fuels Association, this exchange would not have been particularly noteworthy, had it not been for the fact that viewers were left with a sense that current ethanol technologies are environmentally more dangerous than oil, a message that is simply untrue.
"All ethanol, regardless of its source, is more sustainable and environmentally-friendly than gasoline," said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen." In fact, when compared directly to gasoline, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 60%, and that is with the technologies we have today."
Dinneen says failing to understand the issue and continuing to propagate factually inaccurate information, even on a faux news show, is dangerous and undermines the legitimate debate about our energy future. He says this trend in statements by prominent and influential individuals is leaving the American people with a false set of choices about the various roles of renewable energy across the board.
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Tagged: ethanol, next generation
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