The White House has decided to force California to use corn-based ethanol as an additive to make gasoline burn more cleanly, even though the requirement will probably boost prices at the pump this summer and many environmentalists say cheaper ways to reduce emissions exist. The decision will be a big benefit to Archer Daniels Midland, a major Republican contributor, and critics say it was made in part to solidify President Bush’s support in farm states. Jason Grumet, executive director of the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, said the move “will profoundly benefit a couple of multinational agribusinesses at the expense of the environment, drivers, and the small farmer.”
