Should the United States increase the production of corn-based ethanol?

In an effort to "Go Green," many societies are looking for alternative fuel solutions. One possible solution is to use ethanol instead of petroleum-based gasoline to power automobiles. Ethanol is a clear alcohol fuel made from plant sugars. In the United States, most ethanol is made from corn. However, it is not clear that society would be better off producing more ethanol.

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Read the following two arguments by clicking on "pro" and "con." After learning about both sides, determine which side of the debate you agree with.

PRO

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Corn-based ethanol benefits domestic consumers, farmers, the economy, and the environment. Because corn is cheap and abundant, ethanol will help the United States decrease its reliance on foreign oil. Ethanol burns cleanly and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping the United States reduce air pollution and sets a good example for others.

CON

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Investing in ethanol wastes taxpayers’ dollars and supports a product that does not solve America’s energy problems. Producing corn-based ethanol uses more energy through pesticides, fertilizers, harvest, and conversion than it is worth. Increasing corn production will drive up food prices.