The environment is high on the platforms of several candidates for U.S. president, but their views on specific issues vary widely. ENN and The Sustainable Energy Coalition have compiled a summary of the candidates' views on federal tax incentives and other support for the production of ethanol. Their opinions are culled from campaign materials, media interviews, public speeches and responses to a survey sponsored by the Sustainable Energy Coalition. More than 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol are produced every year in the United States from grains, food and beverage waste, according to the coalition. Iowa, which will host the first presidential caucuses of the election year, produces approximately one-quarter of the country's ethanol.
Ethanol is used as a solvent in perfume, hair spray, dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent.
It is also used in beverages. However, most ethanol produced in the U.S. is blended with gasoline to increase the octane level in fuel or to produce a cleaner fuel. Because ethanol is produced from plants that harness the sun's energy, it is considered a renewable fuel. Democratic Party candidates Vice President Al Gore maintains he has always supported ethanol. U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch also supports ethanol.