It’s a depressing ritual. Every four years, as Iowans prepare to cast the first votes in the presidential-primary season, candidates descend on the corn-covered state and discover the miraculous properties of ethanol. The latest convert is Fred Thompson, who voted against ethanol subsidies when he was a U.S. senator but now says that ethanol is “a matter . . . of national security.” What he means is that he supports increasing federal assistance for ethanol production, on the grounds that this will reduce American dependence on oil from the Middle East. But, like most arguments for ethanol subsidies, this one is spurious....MORE
From the Auto Channel:
The AIADA newsletter reported that the stalling ethanol industry wants Congress to mandate greater use of the biofuel. But many of the industry's former friends have turned against it amid soaring prices for corn and other grains....MORE
Finally, from Eastern Oregon Now:
...Kulongoski also talked about the law the Legislature passed this year that creates a fuel-blending requirement. It states that once Oregon can produce 40 million gallons of ethanol per year, all gasoline sold in the state must be 10 percent ethanol.
"This facility will trigger that blending requirement by January 2008," he said, prompting applause from the 300 crowded inside a tent beside the plant headquarters....MORE
