Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Efficiency Of Producing Alcohol For Energy In Brazil: Comment, Jonathan B. Wight

Economics Faculty Publications

In a 1982 issue of this journal, Michael Barzelay and Scott R. Pearson examined the social costs and benefits of producing ethanol motor fuel in Brazil. They conclude that ethanol fuel was economically infeasible in 1981 and will remain so unless petroleum prices rise dramatically in the future. We seek first to call attention to some problems in their data and second to suggest that their analysis include broader considerations. Quite different conclusions could result.