Last week the biofuel industry took a hit when Florida voted to repeal its Renewable Fuel Standard, HB4001, that required fuel retailers to blend ethanol into their gasoline. The charge against ethanol was led by Florida Senator Greg Evers, who represents Escambia County, which happens to be the largest receiver of BP oil spill funds in the state. In fact, the same week HB4001 was passed, the county was one of the first to receive approximately $56 million to go toward restoration projects. Apparently, oil “balls” are still washing up on shore.

Escambia County receives its BP funds….ethanol gets squashed.

Coincidence?

I think not.

Let’s take a closer look at the correlation between state Renewable Fuel Standards and ethanol. In states that have a robust oil industry, Texas, Alaska, California, North Dakota, and New Mexico, combined with the state that has several oil refineries, Louisiana, with the exception of California, none of these states have Renewable Fuel Standards. While California has tried to move away from oil with its low carbon fuel standard, it was ruled unconstitutional. Although the legislation is temporarily moving forward, the oil industry is hoping to get another win when the roll-out is halted.

One could argue that when looking at states with the most ethanol production: Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, and Indiana, you’d think there would be state renewable fuel standards in place. But this is not the case. With the exception of Minnesota, which has a biodiesel mandate, these states have tax incentives for production, but no mandates for use at the pump. They don’t seem to need them. Residents of these states appear to take advantage of choice at the pump (and support home grown fuels).

If there is catastrophic oil crisis, Americans in Midwestern states would be driving long after those in states heavily reliant on straight gas at the pump. In fact, Iowa produces enough ethanol and biodiesel each year to fuel 100 percent of its vehicles plus still have fuel to export.

Common sense should tell us to go the way of the Midwest, but when it comes to logic this country seems fresh out and no one wants to pay the money during a recession for a clue.

I find it utterly amazing the hold big oil has on America’s energy. It’s like the same hold reality TV has on us. It’s a train wreck waiting to happen; yet we can’t look away. Sole reliance on oil is a train wreck waiting to happen and yet we just can’t seem to move away. Then when disaster strikes, like the Deep Horizon oil spill, Americans are glued to the TV watching the tragedy unfold and outrageously cry for change and better energy policy and more choice at the pump. Then a celebrity gets arrested, knocked up or divorced and the oil spill and high gas prices are forgotten. I mean, who really needs energy anyway?

Wait – I seem to be on to something. I’ll create a reality TV show that follows various people around when we have no oil and watch their angst when they can’t get to the club, or go shopping or fly to Europe for a weekend in Cannes. It will be full of fights, scheming, undercutting, and drama. Since “reality” TV is scripted, I can write in a few clues. Oh wait, this has already been done – it’s called terrorism.

Yes, I’ve probably gone to far to make the point that this country’s energy future needs a makeover. We need choices. Not in a few years, not next year. Today. And since I make the choice for renewable energy at the pump, I’ll be sure to pick you up when you are stranded on the side of the road during the next gas shortage. Because to drive on by, well that would just be mean and that is not the Midwestern way.