Hi Ken,
It's a nice idea, but there's problems.
One problem is the amount of processing needed to make a usable fuel. I have heard many opinions that the cost far exceeds what we currently spend on oil. Recyling is a prime example of this. By the time you factor in the costs of transporting the waste to a processing facility, the labor involved, the costs of building and running the plants, and the additional trucks and personnel required (most communities pick up recyclables on separate days) you have lost any savings.
Another problem is unforeseen side effects. For example, the higher price of corn has been blamed, in part, on lost produce that is used to make ethanol.
Environmental problems can also occur. More planting means more fertilizer run-off into our streams and other waterways. An article I read recently (in Newsmax, I believe)blamed this runoff for a high growth of oxygen-choking algae in the water--leading to a lot of dead fish!
A major problem is availability. Alternative fuels are not very popular--we still love our oil and gas. Until they get popular, no one will want to develop them--no profit!
I'm all for alternative fuels, but people need to consider all of the issues involved.
John
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