“...the ethanol subsidy ended in 2012...”
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MANDATED USE = SUBSIDY
The economic effect is the same. Why do you fear letting the free market decide how much (if any) corn derived ethanol will be used for fuel? You and I both know the answer to that. There are many forms of corrupt cronyism and they ALL cause economic inefficiencies and less overall national wealth than a free market would otherwise deliver.
There is no free market for anything, none. How can there be a free market when government parasites hold a gun to your head to collect taxes?
Mandated additions do not equal subsidies. Should there be no fuel additives? Is that what you are suggesting? Or maybe leaded gas would be good?