[agere_contra]

The corn will be grown whether or not there is an ethanol industry.

Yes of course. And the de-ethanoled feed is better for the livestock. That still doesn't make Ethanol a fuel sans subsidy - it just makes the subsidy cheaper.

If you want to reduce fuel dependance: drill in ANWR and double refining capacity. Subsidising ethanol - subsidising ANYTHING - cannot be the answer to America's fuel requirements.

[HEY4QDEMS]

Subsidising[sp] ethanol - subsidising[sp] ANYTHING - cannot be the answer to America's fuel requirements.

Right now with oil hovering around $70 /bbl, there is certainly no need to subsidize the ethanol industry, but if oil were to fall below $40 / bbl, then subsidies may be required to provide incentive for the facilities to stay on line and continue advancing the technology.