The Cornell study has been pretty much discredited as "flawed" in its data and its conclusions. Obviously, the opposing studies with more accurate data and more realistic conclusions do not make for sensational headlines. I will admit I am biased, but ethanol is part of the solution to dependance on foreign
oil. Soy diesel is another good product. I use both E-85 and 11% soy diesel. E-85 is $2.59/gal while 10% ethanol regular gas is around $3.05/gal currently in my area of Illinois. We have one of the highest highway/state tax rates in the country, so it is always cheaper to "cross the border" to buy fuel.
In the 70's I remember my parents having to take their Chrysler cars in for service to have the composition carb floats changed out for brass. The original floats turned into sponges!
Obviously, "Big
Oil" hates ethanol and only a few independent stations carry it. There are substantial monetary incentives for stations willing to put in E-85 pumps,
The raw materials for ethanol are relatively cheap and renewable. Given the demand and price incentive, production can be greatly increased. We'll be glad to do our part!
Fast Farmer