Obama-Biden Energy Plan for America

I will be following with interest how steadfast the Obama-Biden ticket holds to the energy plan they have outlined on their “New Energy for America” webpage once in office, particularly as it relates to support for ethanol. Obama and McCain have differed sharply on the ethanol issue, an issue that has become increasingly controversial in recent months. Obama represents a corn-growing ethanol-producing state, Illinois, and to this point, supports the continuation of ethanol subsidies. He sees the need to move in the direction of cellulosic ethanol (2nd generation biofuel) that has been touted as being more sustainable, more environmentally friendly, and less controversial than corn (food vs. fuel). McCain, on the other hand, represents a desert state, Arizona, and has been critical of agricultural subsidies generally, and ethanol subsidies in particular. During his presidential campaign, when asked about cutting excessive government spending, ethanol subsidies were right at the top of his short list.

The sustainability of cellulosic ethanol is controversial as well, as shown in the following blogsites, Treehugger and R-Squared Energy Blog (Nov 9). When it comes to liquid fuels, do we want to cut research dedicated toward improving the sustainability of renewable resources, such as second-generation biofuels, until non-renewable resources (oil and natural gas) are nearly depleted, or do we continue to support this research irrespective of gas price and public mood swings with the expectation that this research will pay off down the road when non-renewable resources become scarce.