In light of our current national energy crisis, I strongly believe that we should try to increase our development and use of renewable energy sources.  Solar, geothermal, biomass, hydro and wind power are attractive energy sources for the future, and I believe we should continue to expand the research, perfect the technology, and expand their use.

Over the past few decades, biofuels, especially ethanol produce from corn, have become a major source of renewable energy in the United States.  Ethanol production has received government support since the 1970s, including tax benefits, mandated levels of consumption, and federally funded research and development. 

The expanded research and use of ethanol has had a number of benefits in providing renewable alternatives to traditional energy sources.  On the other hand, many critics today have determined that the environmental benefits of corn-based ethanol have been overstated and the subsidization of ethanol is having an adverse impact on food prices and many producers.  That is why I believe that we must look for a comprehensive solution to our energy needs by exploring cellulosic based ethanol, such as switch grass, and a variety of bio-diesels, based on canola oil or soybeans.

Congress has begun to look at the value of ethanol subsidies to determine whether they should continue or begin to be phased out, leaving the market to determine the future viability of this energy source.  In addition, Congress continues to debate policies regarding the renewable fuel standard (RFS), which mandates increasing use of renewable fuels like ethanol over the next decade.