The problem is, ethanol really isn't ready for prime time. The only economical way to make ethanol right now is with corn, which means the burgeoning industry is literally eating America's lunch, not to mention its breakfast and dinner. And though ethanol from corn may have some minor benefits with regard to energy independence, most analysts conclude its environmental benefits are questionable at best.
Proponents acknowledge the drawbacks of corn-based ethanol, but they believe it can help wean America off imported oil the way methadone helps a junkie kick heroin. It may not be ideal, but ethanol could help the country make the necessary and difficult transition to an environmentally and economically sustainable future.
I have heard similar concerns raised albeit without the methadone analogy. I suggest reading the full article. Oh, for those who still think Mitch Daniels has anything approaching a vision, consider this: his vision is that being at the end of the bandwagon. I think we need to look at an array of biofuels and renewable energy sources rather than hitching our state's future to one idea. Sort of like getting stuck with canals while the railroads were coming. Come to think of it, Indiana did just that and went broke in the process.
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