Green Energy Backfires on Ducks and Upland Birds

by
posted on November 21, 2013
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (44)

It seems the mainstream media is finally catching on to something that upland bird and waterfowl conservationists have been screaming about for years: Ethanol production is proving disastrous for prairie habitat.

According to calculations by the Associated Press (AP), 1.2 million acres of prairie grassland have already been destroyed by America's "green energy" policy, which requires oil companies to blend billions of gallons of corn ethanol into their gasoline. In fact, fuel—not food—was the top use of corn in 2011, 2012, and nearly 2013. That's driven corn prices sky high (they've more than doubled since Congress adopted the new policy in 2007) and led farmers to do the economically sensible thing: Dig up prime waterfowl and upland bird habitat in favor of planting corn.

“It’s not hard to do the math there as to what’s profitable to have,” South Dakota farmer Robert Malsam told the AP. “I think an ethanol plant is a farmer’s friend.”

The ethanol policy was adopted in the name of fighting global warming, but the farming practices used to generate ethanol may actually increase pollution. According to the AP: "... Plowing into untouched grassland releases carbon dioxide that has been naturally locked in the soil. It also increases erosion and requires farmers to use fertilizers and other industrial chemicals. In turn, that destroys native plants and wipes out wildlife habitats."

I would certainly categorize ethanol production among the gravest threats to prairie habitat and to the future of upland bird and waterfowl populations. If its proponents truly care about wildlife or soil and air quality, they'll fight alongside sportsmen to scrap it.

Latest

Summer Property Layout Lead
Summer Property Layout Lead

Summer Property Layout: A Plan for Fall Hunting Success

Hunting properties vary in size and habitat but on every one of them you can create a plan to optimize the tract with shelter, food and water. Thinking about these essentials now pays later when deer perceive their reliance on the cornerstones of life.

How to Sharpen an Axe

Contributor Bryce Towsley walks his audience through the lost art of sharpening an axe.

NRA Partners with NAFWS to Deliver Free Online Hunter Education

The National Rifle Association’s free, award-winning Hunter Education online course is now available to any federally recognized Native American tribe, which includes tribal members of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society.

Blaser Introduces B2 Riflescope Line

Featuring German optical performance designed to accommodate thermal clip-on devices,B2 riflescopes are made in Germany and available in 1-6x24mm iC, 2-12x50mm iC, and 2.5-15x56mm iC models.

Head to Head: .17 HMR vs. .22 WMR

Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of two of the most popular magnum rimfire cartridges. Which comes out on top?

Let’s Get Real About the 6.5 Creedmoor

Love it or hate it, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the hottest hunting and target round available today. But does it live up to the hype?

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.