You would think that lobbyists spend most of their time, energy and money trying to directly influence legislators and get them to support their agenda, and in most cases they do. But when it comes to King Corn, they’re playing a much longer game in terms of brainwashing the country about ethanol and biofuels in general. In a rather alarming example of this, it turns out that the Renewable Fuels Association (one of the largest ethanol lobbyist groups in the country) has developed a series of “Ethanol in the Classroom” courses which they are pitching to schools around the country.

This body of propaganda is broken down into different courses for various age groups, ranging from high school seniors all the way down to third grade. Obviously, the material pushes all the wonders of ethanol and how great it is for the environment and its many uses. (*cough*) One of their promoters took to the pages of Ethanol Producer Magazine (yes… that’s a thing) to tout the new “educational” program. (Emphasis added)

I’m a big proponent of education, as it’s the foundation of our society. (And yes, I’d say that even if I weren’t married to a teacher). Based on that notion, the Renewable Fuels Association recently developed an Ethanol in the Classroom course, providing a fun and interactive way for students to learn about the renewable fuel. Why? Because one is never too young to learn about ethanol’s numerous benefits. The e-learning program is broken down into three levels: third through fifth grades, sixth through eighth grades, and ninth through 12th grades. After selecting the appropriate level, students can choose a vehicle that runs on ethanol and then navigate through four stops. The journey begins with a quick stop at the fuel station where they fill their vehicle with ethanol-blended fuel. While there, students will learn more about ethanol.

Sounds like something straight out of an old episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, doesn’t it? The kids get to fuel up their magical ethanol bus and drive it around the country, all the while being told how wonderful biofuels are. Because, as the author said… you’re never too young to learn about ethanol. Or, if they were being more honest, you could say that you’re never too young to be indoctrinated into liberal groupthink.

I don’t need to sit through the class to be able to guess that a few things were left out of the curriculum. Do you suppose that the course informs students that ethanol is a grossly inferior fuel compared to gasoline, and gas delivers one third more energy by volume when it’s burned? I’m guessing they also fail to mention that ethanol causes vehicles to deliver fewer miles per gallon.

Ethanol also naturally absorbs water from the atmosphere, unlike gasoline. Left to sit long enough, the fuel and water can separate in the tank leading to serious problems when that water hits your fuel injectors. Also, in terms of straight math and net energy consumption, “70 percent more energy is required to produce ethanol than the energy that actually is in ethanol. Every time you make 1 gallon of ethanol, there is a net energy loss of 54,000 Btu.”

Small engines, such as those found in lawnmowers and outboard boats, are particularly susceptible to damage from ethanol. There’s a thriving industry out there producing fuel treatments just to protect engines from ethanol damage if you can’t find any ethanol-free gas near where you live. Do you think the tykes in third grade are being told any of this? Of course not. Because this isn’t an education program. It’s an indoctrination scheme. Get ’em while they’re young and you can influence their actions and choices as adults. That’s certainly how China manages their affairs.

If you find out that your child’s school is running one of these programs, get on the phone or go to the next PTA meeting and complain. This is some seriously dirty pool, and ethanol lobbyists should stick to greasing the palms of corn state politicians and keep their propaganda out of public schools.