First, the net energy ratio of corn-based ethanol (useful energy divided by the energy required to produce a unit of ethanol) is at best 1.25 but in practice a lot worse. Some have calculated a ratio less than one, meaning that it takes more energy to produce ethanol from corn than the energy content of the fuel.
Also, as with any new industry there are efficiencies gained in production. Next, there are new methods and products gained. Finally, there is similarity to other production that is gained.
Current research on cellulose ethanol rather than just corn ethanol will permit the entire plant to be used. This newer method could result in a better fuel ration.
Next, any research on ethanol will benefit methanol. Methanol can be had from coal, and is one form in which clean coal can be used in alcohols. This would be a huge gain.
As always, forward looking by Gingrich is ahead of the naysayers.
Not by anyone who has looked at the enthalpy of the entire process. It is now and ALWAYS will be a net energy loser. No process variations are even theoretically possible that allow you to violate the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The only way it could make sense is if we would build another hundred or so nuclear plants to provide the energy needed to produce enough ethanol to provide a significant energy independence, and then ethanol would be an energy carrier for nuclear.
Newt is now, has been in the past and probably always will be a whore without any findamental principles (unless you count the liberal stuff he did with Pelosi) who does whatever he's piad to do.