Congressman holds Energy Independence Forum at Town Hall

Warwick — U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY) hosted the second in a series of Energy Independence Forums at Warwick Town Hall on June 9. The well-attended presentation by alternative energy experts stressed opportunities for Hudson Valley farmers to convert their low productive land areas to growing crops such as Switchgrass that can be used to manufacture biofuels. Congressman Hall, a member of the newly created Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, represents the 19th Congressional District, which includes all of Putnam and parts of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties. “It is now more important than ever for us to be independent of foreign oil,” said Hall. “If America is ever going to achieve energy independence, we must invest in new energy sources, including those our own farmers can grow right here in the Hudson Valley. By growing our fuel in the U.S. instead of drilling for it in the Middle East, we can have energy that lowers fuel prices, strengthens national security, and creates new jobs at home. Just being able to thumb our noses at those countries in the Middle East is something I’m looking forward to.” Hall then introduced each speaker in turn, all experts, who offered slide presentations on various biofuels from the perspectives of the grower, manufacturer and consumer. Dutchess County Farm Manager Mark Doyle showed photographs of the type of land that although not suitable for most crops, could become profitable producing Switchgrass, currently being grown and manufactured into pellets for stoves. “Just like the corn growers in the Midwest,” he said, “we have the potential for a fuel crop right here in the Hudson Valley.” Joseph Heller, a representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, then explained how biofuels go from the farm to the furnace. He also discussed other sources of energy including biodiesel, ethanol, waste vegetable oil, methane from manure and wood chips. Heller admitted, however, that an unintended consequence of using biofuels has been a rise in the price of corn, which, in turn, raises the price of meat and other foods. Jerry Robock from Sprague Energy, a biofuel cooperative, explained the practical aspects of burning biofuels in home and car. “You may be interested in learning,” he said, “that the Warwick Valley Central School District uses 15 to 35 per cent waste vegetable oil in its diesel engine school buses.” Automobile fuel composed of 85 per cent ethanol, produced from corn, is known as E-85. Paul Coco, also from the Department of Agriculture, told the audience that E-85 would soon be widely available in New York state. And, he added that most automobiles sold today are E-85 compatible. The speakers also agreed that there were many problems still to be solved. Without government subsidies, ethanol, for example, is more expensive than regular gasoline. It also achieves lower miles per gallon and, unless the engine is turbo charged, produces less power. And, as one member in the audience pointed out, the corn farmers are also subsidized, which places the burden of any lower costs on the taxpayer in more ways than one. Other problems include the fact that during winter, kerosene must be added to biodiesel, which has a high gel point. Congressman Hall also admitted that some forms of environmentally friendly energy sources, such as wind power, face strong opposition when they are proposed in someone’s backyard. In spite of all obstacles, however, Hall believes reducing our dependence on foreign oil and improving the air quality are worthy goals. “There’s no silver bullet,” he said. “We have to look at all the options.”