Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

There was an interesting program on relating to oil. It seems that several calculations are showing that we have peeked with oil production world wide. We aren't finding as much new oil as we are using each year. We will eventually run out unless we have an intelligent energy policy. (Not available under current US administration!) Per person income in Saudi Arabia has dropped from $30,000 to $6,000. Yes I know the major family receives the bulk of the money but trickle down isn't working for the average Saudi.
Bush's press conference Tuesday blamed the Dem's for our problems. Environmental concerns prevented the exploration of Alaskan reserves. Discussions indicated that it would take about 10 years before we can benefit from this oil and it may only provide oil for 10 years.
People in Iowa feel that they can grow enough switch grass and corn to make themselves independent of foreign oil, (even though the technology isn't ready.) This was related to me by a man who drives 40 miles each way to work and confirmed by two others. The midlands of the US has lower prices for gas (thanks to corn subsidies) housing and food in season. They are rather unaffected by the economy slowdown. So just hope that Chuck Hagel isn't chosen for Rep VP. He is from this area and doesn't realize the issues.

I'm in Iowa. As you say, some may feel they can grow enough grass and corn to make themselves independent of foreign oil. I just havent met em, and I'd think Id remember someone so silly.
A few (generalization), folk realize that the bio gas although a whole 10 cent's cheaper per gallon is not cost the end answer. I have found I get less miles per gallon using it, so is their a cost advantage? Doubt full. With corn at $6 per the farmers are all a giddy though and $12 beans they love as well.
I hope it does not matter who the Rep VP is as going Rep for another four years would surely be crazy.
We aint all Idiot's up here just learning disabled.

the problem is that the bio fuel ISN'T cheaper. it's merely other people paying for it for you through their taxes, and it tricks you into thinking it's cheaper.
using vast expanses of farm land to grow fuel isn't a very good answer, it only apeals to those who (suprise suprise) think they can make money on it.

my next vehicle will be electric, maybe a Renault/Nissan from Project Better Place or a BYD 3e r 6e.
It will take a couple of years though.
times a changin, my bet is oil to hit $200 a barrel.

Aside from the peculiarities of the US of A, with a terrific farmers lobby in an election year, whats wrong with growing a crop on a piece of land that is of no value for normal agriculture?
Also I detest oil companies and the effing Government for putting excise on it.

sleepe, i'm no "farm boy" but if a plot of land is of no use for 'normal' crops why would it be suitible for corn for biofuels?

there is of cource also the fertilization issue, it sure has hell aint gonna be sheep shit, so its gonna be hydrocarbon based...........stealing from peter?

Thanx, Jaymie................have read almost a years worth of articles on that site.....................

Biofoolery.
I'm yet to see a convincing study that says the EROI of ethanol is postive (>1).
Delgrade,
Your boss is an idiot - ask him if the price went down, what would happen to demand?
Just goes to show there isn't going to be any conservation of fosil fuels, just demand destruction when it's too late.

-end of rant-

this quote sums it up for me...................

Was talking about biodiesel, not ethanol. Plenty of land, and water, capable of producing oil that can burn in a diesel engine, or perhaps an external combustion engine, that would be stuff all use for anything else.

Still detest oil companys and gov'ts; wunch of bankers.

ok, bio-D, realistically does it have a net energy deficit when you include all the inputs?

do we all agree that there is NO magic bullet that will allow us to live the way we have for the last century?

if not, then http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.com/ ... llacy.html

we will just drive less and grow our own more!
seems perfectly reasonable

I'll agree to that steve. We are in a learning curve and perhaps 30 years behind in the classes.