Q: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran an article about Coca-Cola using 2 1/2 gallons of water for every gallon of Coke produced. Is it true that the production of ethanol uses 6 gallons of water for every gallon of ethanol distilled? And that gasoline containing ethanol pollutes more than straight gasoline?
-- Dick Chenoweth, Conyers
A: The amount of water used to produce ethanol is strongly dependent on the type of process and feedstock used and what co-products are produced, Jen Stutsman, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Energy, told Q&A on the News. The vast majority of ethanol in the U.S. is made from corn. DOE's biomass program is working with industry to develop cellulosic, non-food feedstocks that will have many advantages over the use of corn, including using less water, she wrote in an e-mail. Ethanol is usually added to gasoline to reduce pollution over straight gasoline. It serves as an oxygenate that the EPA says "can boost gasoline's octane quality, enhance combustion and reduce exhaust emissions." Emissions from vehicles using pure gasoline or gasoline containing ethanol vary among different vehicles, she wrote.
Q: Why is the governor's name on highway welcome signs at our state line? Is it a regulation?
-- Tony Gardner, Cumming
A: The practice of placing the current governor's name on roadway signs in Georgia is not required by law, Jill Goldberg, spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Transportation, told Q&A on the News. Officials with the Federal Highway Administration told Q&A on the News it is up to the state and is a common ongoing practice that began in the early part of the 20th century to welcome people to the state.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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