[Eric in the Ozarks]

Most ethanol is made by cooking corn with natural gas. Nat. gas is a high rank fuel and could be used as a motor fuel. So, why go to the trouble of raising government-subsidized corn ?

[alloysteel]

Votes. Or more exactly, political contributions from ADM to buy votes.

[Willie Green]

Most ethanol is made by cooking corn with natural gas. Nat. gas is a high rank fuel and could be used as a motor fuel.

Not to mention petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides.

Not a very energy-efficient conversion process.

Besides, I can think of a better use for corn liquor than burning in an engine.

[Deathmonger]

Ethanol production consumes more "fossil fuels" than burning the fossil fuels for energy directly. As a result it actually exacerbates the energy problem. If ethanol were to take off, I'll bet Washington would start paying farmers *not* to produce it in order to conserve the fossil fuel supply.