c0smicbyte (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

Ethanol is a product we can use now as we transition from the present automobile engine technology to more advanced ones that would not require giving up agricultural space utilized for food production for the making of fuel.

CharlieRight (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

NEW YORK — The race to boost ethanol production could one day hurt food supply for many of the world's poor, an environmental expert said on Thursday."This is shaping up as competition between the 800 million people in the world that own automobiles and the 2 billion low- income people in the world, many of whom are already spending over half their income on food," Lester Brown, president of Washington D.C.-based environmental research group Earth Policy Institute, on a teleconference.

Hellaciousoutlaw (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

Soon we all be able to get ethanol and then big oil will have a competitor oil has never had to compete competition will drop those high gas prices like a box of hot rocks lets face it america hates the oil companies

harmsdap (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

The national corn crop yield is rising every year. The demand for feed, fuel, and exports remains quite stagnant, only rising a few percent each year, which has resulted in a surplus for the past several years. That surplus can go to produce ethanol just as easily as it can sit in temporary storage for 8 months before it finds another use.

ryandinan (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

Why is everyone so concerned with ethanol, when butanol is a much better alternative fuel? And I have to agree with SShitMan - If the "majority of corn exported is used for livestock and develop contries", then how is ethanol production not taking away from those uses? The fact remains, ethanol by itself, can not replace oil. There is just not enough world production-capacity to serve the U.S.

SSHitMan (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

So your argument is because other groups/industries get pork ethanol should also? This tells me you don't really have a case for ethanol, you just want more taxpayer money. Corporate welfare isn't going to solve the energy problem.If ethanol is a viable fuel, it will survive on its own without subsidies and mandates. But it isn't, so it can't.And as for your point about how much corn goes to animal feed, just what do you think those animals are used for? Petting zoos?

jeffzeiger (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

You're forgetting the billions of dollars in subsidies handed out to the military and oil companies. The jobs provided by the ethanol industry are jobs kept right here in the USA and not outsourced to foreign countries. My tax dollars subsidize all types of industries, why not support our local farmers who feed us and the world?

greyflcn (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

Depends, it hits the Export market hardest first.greyfalcon. net/ grocerybill.pngUS is the largest exporter because it's practically the only significant exporter in the world of corn.As for the ethanol subsidies, the cost certainly adds up.greyfalcon. net/ truecostofethanol.pnggreyfalcon. net/ biotaxes.png

jeffzeiger (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

Thanks much.

sirHOAX (January 1, 1970 at 12:59 am)

You should also include that Ethanol is being produced my home-owners to power their own vehicles. They are producing it at rates of 25-125 Gallons a day. Our cars can run on 95% ethanol without any problems.Another thing, Ethanol is not only made from Corn it can be made from almost any bio-grade material that will break down in Alcohol. Ever made beer, well that is how they make Ethanol. Using a boiler and a still. Nice Vid.