I have no objections to having an ethanol industry, if it is useful. But I strongly object to:
a) making it mandatory.
b) subsidizing it with taxpayer money.
c) forcing me to wreck my small engines when I use it.
Alcohol in gasoline is a lousy idea. Maybe they could make vodka out of it or something—but not at my expense, please.
If you’re interested in biofuels take a look at butanol. It’s a superior additive that doesn’t have the drawbacks of ethanol. More BTU’s, less hydroscopic, can be used in diesel, renewable, etc.
There are a number of companies working on fermentable butanol from GMO bacteria including Gevo Inc, and a Dupont/BP joint venture.
In 10 years it could replace ethanol as a fuel oxygenator.