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

Ledehenry SPD HUSH
Ledehenry SPD HUSH

Henry Repeating Arms Launches HUSH Series Optimized for Suppressor Use

Henry Repeating Arms has officially introduced the HUSH Series. This new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifle is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.