Ethanol’s fuel additive benefits continue to spark debate

Ethanol is a growing business for Midwestern corn farmers, who can make more money growing an additive for gasoline than raising food for people and animals.

But even as corn-laden trucks rumble into the Adkins Energy LLC plant, and tanker trucks bearing the colorless liquid roll out, destined for gas stations, scientists have never fully settled the question of whether ethanol is a good business for the nation.