LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Ethanol is U.S.-made, cheaper than gas

OPINION:

In “Imaginary optimism” (Comment & Analysis, Aug. 12), The Washington Times asserts that oil companies are being forced to blend cellulosic ethanol that does not exist. The Times also claims that biofuel blending increases pump prices. We get it. The Washington Times is dubious of policies that promote biofuels, but facts are facts.

There are now commercial cellulosic biofuel plants up and running in Florida and Mississippi, and many more such plants are under construction. Ethanol has been about 50 cents cheaper than gasoline for years, and even ethanol critics acknowledge that ethanol saves consumers at the pump.

The editorial is right about one thing: These arguments are being offered by the oil industry in an effort to persuade Congress to repeal the law that promotes renewable fuels. We know why oil companies don’t like competition at the pump from cheaper, American-made nonpetroleum fuels. Why is that a problem for The Washington Times?

R. BROOKE COLEMAN

Director, Advanced Ethanol Council

Boston