Corn

Studies now indicate that man’s usage of carbon based fuels is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this is contributing to climate change. Studies also indicate that corn based ethanol is not helping the environment. OK, can we please stop pretending biofuel made from corn is helping the planet and the environment? The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released two of its Working Group reports at the end of last month (WGI and WGIII), and their short discussion of biofuels has ignited a fierce debate as to whether they’re of any environmental benefit at all. Over the years liberal leaning people have pushed for the increased use of corn ethanol as a fuel additive and currently 40% of the annual corn crop is used for this purpose. Since ethanol is soluble in water it must be distilled and this requires large amounts of energy. This negative was supposed to have been overcome by the environmental benefits but that did not work out so is it time to change course. Getting rid of a subsidy is a difficult process and not likely to happen so billions of dollars that could be put to better use will be tied up in corn ethanol production. Like most government handouts the ethanol industry has their share of lobbyist who will keep the faucet open. This like most will benefit one group at the expense of another group and that seems to be the modus operandi. Since Trump is in favor of continuing the subsidies the liberals may come out against it.