Cornell researchers recommend wind power over ethanol as alternative energy source

• A major study from Cornell University released Monday said ethanol is not worth the energy, and recommends wind power is where people should look for an alternative energy source.
• That comes as shocking news to a corn-growing, ethanol-producing state such as Minnesota, leaving some to wonder if the billion-dollar ethanol business is in trouble after years to trading oil barrels for bushels of corn.
• Ethanol is an additive made from corn to reduce auto emissions, but a new study said it is not worth the effort.
• Cornell University researchers claim Americans would be better off investing in other energy sources including solar or wind power.
• "So, it doesn't surprise me because it takes a lot to grow corn," said former State Rep. Kathleen Vellenga.
• Vellenga supported early ethanol legislation, but said if she were in office today, things would be different.
• "But right now we're propping up what used to be the family farm and now is, unfortunately big acreages owned by business," Vellenga said.
• The researchers at Cornell claim 70 percent more energy is required to produce ethanol than the energy that actually is in ethanol.
• "The (United States Department of Agriculture) believes there is a net gain of 67 percent energy and that is a trend over the last few years," said Perry Aaness with the Minnesota Agriculture Department.
• Minnesota has 13 ethanol producing plants and plans to add three more.
• The deputy commissioner of agriculture said he is surprised by the report, but stands by the quality and efficiency of the alternative fuel.
• If you pump gasoline in Minnesota, you are pumping at least a 10 percent mix of ethanol.
• Minnesota subsidizes corn growers, which Cornell researchers said is a problem because it results in higher prices for meat, milk and eggs.