Topic: Ethanol

The hosts discuss Celanese Corporation's technology for producing ethanol from natural gas, which they predict will disrupt the corn subsidy lobby. They also enter a prediction for a "European Civil War" in 2020, following a series of global economic collapses.

President Biden authorized the year-round sale of E15 gasoline (15% ethanol) to lower fuel prices. AAA warned that the higher ethanol content could cause damage to older vehicle engines due to its corrosive properties. Dvorak explains that while some cars are designed for E85, most standard engines are only rated for a 10% ethanol mix.

Summit Carbon Solutions is proposing the "Midwest Carbon Express," a massive pipeline project designed to capture CO2 from 31 ethanol plants across the Midwest and store it underground in North Dakota. The project faces opposition from local groups like Dakota Rural Action, who cite concerns over safety and the lopsided use of eminent domain to seize land for the pipeline.

A discussion on climate policy highlights the unintended consequences of the U.S. ethanol mandate, which diverted a third of the corn crop to fuel production. This shift caused global food prices to double, leading to riots in Mexico and hindering relief agencies trying to feed the poor in Africa. The segment argues that while stewardship of the earth is a shared value, poorly planned carbon reduction strategies can cause immediate human suffering.

President Trump orders the EPA to roll back limits on ethanol blending in gasoline during a rally in Iowa. At the same event, he mocks Senator Dianne Feinstein for allegedly leaking the Christine Blasey Ford letter, leading to "lock her up" chants from the crowd.

Senator Ted Cruz criticized federal energy mandates and tax credits, specifically targeting the wind production tax credit. Cruz claimed that a two-year extension of these credits costs taxpayers $13 billion, which he argued could instead pay the monthly electricity bills for 124 million Americans. The hosts express surprise at agreeing with Cruz's economic breakdown of energy subsidies.

The European Union is reportedly planning to ban a substance used in Chanel No. 5, leading to a recommendation to buy bottles now. A travel tip explains that European perfumes use ethanol as a base, while US laws require denatured alcohol, which changes the scent. The show concludes with a preview of upcoming coverage on the Clintons and a sign-off from Amsterdam and Silicon Valley.

A controversy over E15 gasoline (15% ethanol) is discussed following warnings from AAA that the fuel could ruin car engines. The hosts debate the energy density of ethanol versus pure gasoline, with John C. Dvorak arguing that the claims of a "one-third" reduction in energy are exaggerated and that most modern engines can handle higher alcohol content without issue.

Governors from several U.S. states and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization have called on the EPA to waive the 10% ethanol mandate for gasoline due to record droughts. Corn prices have risen to $8 per bushel, leading to concerns about global food shortages and starvation in poor nations. Critics argue the mandate benefits the corn lobby while negatively impacting the environment and food security.

Celanese Corporation has developed proprietary technology to produce ethanol from natural gas, which is currently cheaper than corn-based production. CFO Steven Sterin stated that the Renewable Fuel Standard currently prevents the company from participating in the U.S. market, leading them to build plants in China instead. Investors are monitoring the company as a potential beneficiary if U.S. legislation shifts to allow natural gas-based biofuels.

Listener feedback covers topics ranging from the chemical properties of ethanol to a satirical cocktail named "The Santorum." The hosts discuss how ethanol can help remove water from gas tanks but contains less energy than pure gasoline. The "Santorum" drink, involving peppermint patties and vodka, is presented as a humorous take on the presidential candidate's name.

A letter from a Midwestern corn farmer, Cheryl, describes the financial difficulties facing independent farmers, including bouncing rent checks and high input costs. The hosts also discuss the pricing of E85 ethanol fuel, noting it is significantly cheaper than gasoline, and question the sustainability of the ethanol industry.

During the dinner at Larry Ellison's, Dvorak selected wines for a small group of 22 guests, including a horizontal tasting of 2002 California vintages like Colgin and Bryant Family. He criticizes these high-end bottles, which retail for $500 to $600, for having excessive alcohol content reaching 15.7%. Dvorak argues that a $20 bottle of Bordeaux he consumed later was superior, as the expensive California wines smelled primarily of ethanol.

A leaked World Bank report suggests that 75% of the recent global surge in food prices is attributable to the production of biofuels. The shift from food crops to fuel-grade grain, incentivized by government subsidies, has created a shortage of edible cereals. The hosts criticize "green" energy policies for prioritizing car fuel over human nutrition.