New standards could cut tax breaks for corn-based ethanol

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-corn-ethanol6-2009may06,0,2321568.story

New standards could cut tax breaks for corn-based ethanol

Rules proposed by Obama administration set the stage for a battle between Midwest grain producers and environmentalists who say the gasoline additive actually worsens global warming.

By Jim Tankersley

May 6, 2009

Reporting from Washington — The Obama administration on Tuesday proposed renewable-fuel standards that could reduce the $3 billion a year in federal tax breaks given to producers of corn-based ethanol. The move sets the stage for a major battle between Midwest grain producers and environmentalists who say the gasoline additive actually worsens global warming.

For much of the last decade, federal officials have touted the potential of corn ethanol as a substitute for gasoline and a tool for reducing global warming and foreign oil dependence.

However, environmentalists and others have questioned the wisdom of that support.

A recent Congressional Budget Office study found that increased ethanol production was responsible for 10% to 15% of last year's increased U.S. food costs. And the rush to produce more corn for fuel has had a global environmental impact as forests and other vegetation have been cleared to make way for cropland.

…

[Lasher]

1. Might as well go ahead and piss off midwestern corporate farmers.

Then put an end to the ridiculous farm subsidies.

[mzmolly]

2. I think the argument that it worsens global warming

is weak. At least from what I've read.