"F. George McDuffee" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 12 Mar 2006 22:20:06 -0500, "ATP*"
wrote:
snip
But WRT soy-based diesel, there is a large energy expenditure,
although not as bad as ethanol, which by some estimates costs more in BTUs
to make than it delivers.
snip
This is called entropy or the first law of thermodynamics. You
can't have a perpetual motion machine, i.e. create energy. Thus
this argument [mainly used by people that don't want a solution]
is specious.

It is not if the energy input you count is supplied by petroleum. Right now
the whole ethanol industry is just a taxpayer subsidized sham that is doing
nothing toward net energy self-sufficiency, but plenty to line the pockets
of corn growers.

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/031128.html