Alternative Energy - Ethanol

What with the recent dropping of prices at the pump this has sort of died down 'again'. However, here in the heartland we hear much discussion about new ethanol plants being built. These plants will not only boost the price for the farmer's corn, they will also create new jobs for the plants themselves, (or so they say).

I have now read more than once just how much water it takes to produce one gallon of ethanol. It requires four gallons of water to produce one gallon of ethanol. Now, we here in Nebraska have had several years of drought. 'Much' of our water for farmers comes from the huge Ogallala acquifer. Happens to be the largest acquifer in the world and it is in trouble. This acquifer feeds much of what is known as the Great Plains, feeds as in providing water to drink.

I guess what bothers me most are the lawmakers, in our states case, Senators Ben Nelson and Chuck Hagel... both espousing how great they are in bringing new business to the state, when in fact disaster looms. All I'm saying is, better leave the water to grow the crops / food... people may just want to eat even though they can't get fuel for their fords and chevys.