[TheForge] OT biodiesel

[Phlip]

OK, I've been watching this thread, and I have a question- not up on
alternative fuels, so forgive me if I ask a stupid question.

With alcohol-based fuel, I noticed that the big crop is corn, and that's
what's discussed, as a crop to provide the basis for the alcohol. There are
pros and cons, basicly relating to what gorn does to the soil, etc.

Why?

Last I checked, any vegetable matter can be converted into one of the
alcohols, between yeasty beasties and disillation. Why not convert hay, or
Ghod help us, you over-run Southerners, kudzu?

I realize that the alcohol made  from "wood" and other substances isn't
potable, but if we're not going to drink it, but, rather, put it in our
cars, I can't see that it matters. Is there something in the non-potable
alcohol which makes the by-products of burning it as dangerous as  the
by-products of petroleim fuels?

Can someone educate me? Bruce?

Saint Phlip,
CoD

"When in doubt, heat it up and hit it with a hammer."
 Blacksmith's credo.

 If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is probably not a
cat.

Never a horse that cain't be rode,
And never a rider who cain't be throwed....