Fuel from Corn is Not Economically Viable

Forty percent of America's corn crop — 36 million acres — goes to producing ethanol, a fuel that barely breaks even on energy and may be worse for the climate than gasoline. Billions in subsidies keep the machine running.

At this time, with current tech, Ethanol from Corn is NOT economically viable.

Richard Rathe July 2026 (Science, Technology)

All that Federal money is just more special interests at the public teat. Just a way to let big businesses in non-oil producing states get in on the Fossil Fuel gravy train. Ethanol from Sugarcane does make sense, which is why most of the flex-fuel innovations are found in Brazil.

As a long time Iowa resident I can also attest that the cost break to consumers has all but disappeared. When this all started… Gasohol was much cheaper compared with the surrounding states. In the past 3-5 years this discount has shrunk to less than a dime (%2) on E15. And regular gas with ethanol is the same price as elsewhere.

The Ethanol Subsidy Machine: How Corn Subsidies Fuel a Questionable Energy Policy