Comments on: Why We Need to Look Beyond Corn for Biofuels

By: Francis Thicke

Francis Thicke — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:48:49 +0000

Economists have pointed out that Iowa has become overbuilt with corn ethanol plants. When the price of oil dropped, ethanol plants went idle, and some went bankrupt. For now, new corn ethanol plants are not being built. But if oil prices spike again, corn ethanol fever may set in again. I am not saying we should outlaw building new corn ethanol plants, just that we should stop using public money to do that. If we have public money to invest, we would be better off to invest it in research and technology development for next-generation biofuels.

By: Will Merydith

Will Merydith — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:32:55 +0000

I fully support a moratorium on state subsidies and tax credits for corn-based ethanol production. Politically, I suspect it will be tough to implement unless there is an alternative plan that provides the same economic "benefits" (for lack of a better term). Are there investments opportunities that can be readily accessed to make the more sustainable alternatives as attractive?

By: Francis Thicke

Francis Thicke — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:42:51 +0000

I am calling for a moratorium on state subsidies and tax credits for building new corn-based ethanol plants. Instead, I think future state investments in biofuels development should focus on next-generation biofuels that use perennial cropping systems (which are environmentally more sustainable) and that are locally owned.

By: John F.

John F. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:37:29 +0000

Current Iowa leadership is pretty focused on increasing corn based biofuels, correct? I agree that it's a non-starter, but how would you approach the issue in order to correct the current plans?