Santorum Tells Iowa Farmers He Would End Ethanol Subsidies
by William Petroski (Des Moines Register) …Santorum, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, said he advocates phasing-out the existing tax incentive for ethanol production, commonly known as the blenders’ credit, by reducing the credit 9 cents annually over each of the next five years.
In turn, he supports the use of half of the annual reduction (4.5 cents) of the blenders’ credit for investment in flex fueling stations to increase access to biofuels – which he believes would provide consumers with increased access to the fuel marketplace and allow greater market competition.
…Carl Branderhorst, who produces grain and hogs near Oskaloosa, described himself as an “ethanol supporter and a farmer.” He talked privately with Santorum and reminded the former lawmaker that the oil industry also receives subsidies. The farmer said he understands, however, that eventually all subsidies should be eliminated for all energy. READ MORE
