Zarrolou wrote:
2) According to recent study data, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based vehicles are a major contributor to global climate instability. One plan to reduce greenhouse gases within the United States is to encourage the production of corn-based ethanol fuels. Such "biofuels" burn cleaner and therefore emit fewer harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. To encourage production, financial incentives could be given to companies to make the switch to biofuel technology.
Which of the following, if true, would cast the most doubt on the effectiveness of the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the production of corn-based fuel?
(A) Before any law is enacted to provide financial incentives to biofuel companies, it must pass with a majority vote in both houses of Congress.
(B) While ethanol currently makes up less than 4 percent of the motor fuel used nationally, the corn used in ethanol production constitutes 14 percent of the domestic crop.
(C) Corn-based ethanol production increases food prices and consumes large amount of waters.
(D) The fertilizer used in the cultivation of biofuel crops releases nitrous oxide, a potent, long-lived greenhouse gas into the atmosphere
(E) The scientific study of greenhouse gas emission was conducted by a university that received funding from prominent agricultural lobby groups who would benefit greatly from new legislation.
Explanation:Points of the argument are:
1) Greenhouse gas, emitted from fossil fuel-based vehicles, is a major contributor to global climate instability.
2) Use of biofuel will reduce greenhouse gases.
Question is: what point can weaken the conclusion of the argument. In other way, the question is asking for a reason or fact to show that use of biofuel will not reduce greenhouse gases
A) This legal requirement may be true. However, this is out of scope here. Wrong.
B) No information provided here on how much greenhouse gases can be produced from biofuel. Wrong.
C) This statement may be true. However, this is not of concern here. Wrong.
D) Correct. Here the statement says that the production of biofuel crops involves emission of greenhouse gas, and thus use of biofuel will not reduce greenhouse gases.
E) No information provided here on how much greenhouse gases can be produced from biofuel. Wrong.
Correct Answer is D.