Seeing Through Big Oil’s Smoke, Mirrors
December 11, 2007 Despite reports of a well-publicized and well-funded anti-ethanol misinformation campaign, an overwhelming majority of consumers still believe the U.S. is too dependent on foreign sources of oil.
A national survey, commissioned by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC), finds that nearly a third of respondents indicated that their attitude toward ethanol has become more favorable over the last six months; 62% reported their opinions stayed the same.
"Consumers see through the smoke and mirrors of Big Oil," says Dr. Robert Zubrin, author of recently published Energy Victory: Winning the War on Terror by Breaking Free of Oil. "The status quo is unacceptable. Big Oil’s song and dance on alternative energy must end."
While the price of oil hits record levels, the petroleum industry continues its negative campaign against ethanol, specifically E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The survey found that 79% of respondents agreed that the government should require cleaner and more efficient sources of energy.
"The petroleum industry has perpetuated this myth that food costs will skyrocket due to ethanol demand," says Reece Nanfito, senior director of marketing for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC). "All the while, homeowners worry about winter heating oil bills, and commuters realign their budgets to deal with rising gasoline prices." A recent Consumer Federation of America report found that over the last five years, household energy expenditures have nearly doubled, while food costs have only slightly increased.
Gasoline prices are up 85 cents a gallon compared to one year ago. A strong majority of those surveyed, 63%, are worried that there will be an oil shortage in the future.
The research was conducted by Luth Research. Visit www.drivingethanol.org/news_events/consumer_awareness.aspx for a full report.
(Source: Renewable Fuels Now Coalition)
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