[defenderSD]

Could this industry survive without government subsidies? That's the test of whether it's an econmically beneficial industry. I strongly doubt that it would survive without tariffs, subsidies, and a transfer or cash flow from consumers to ethanol producers.

[defenderSD]

traansfer or cash flow = transfer of cash flow

[P-40]

Could this industry survive without government subsidies?

That remains to be seen. The subsidies going to the oil industry may be cut if the Democrats get their way. From what I understand, the subsidies from the energy bill were not all that much of a benefit to the big oil companies, just the smaller ones, which is most likely the alternative fuels market. Subsidies to farmers will not be affected; they never are.

This is an industry for government to get the ball rolling and then get out.