The state of Iowa is currently considering a bill that will make it mandatory for all gas sold in the state to be blended with ethanol.

The bill is backed by Gov. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge and U.S. Sens. Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley.

One might ask why all of these leaders back this proposal and the answer is quite simple: Ethanol is nothing but good.

It’s good for Iowa’s farmers, Iowa’s consumers and Iowa’s economy.

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is a non-profit organization that promotes ethanol use. The benefits go far beyond just the state of Iowa to all Americans.

They are not just in the business of trying to bail out farmers as some might suggest.

According to ACE, one of the benefits of ethanol for consumers is: Ethanol reduces our need for foreign oil imports.

Gone are the days when the American consumer can be made to wait in line for high-priced gasoline.

We are growing our own fuel right here at home.

It’s clean, too. Ethanol has a higher octane number, so it reduces emissions.

It helps keep the cost of gasoline down and keeps the fat cats at the oil companies on their toes.

In fact, it is usually oil company interests that will tell you that ethanol is bad for your car.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the benefit to local economies, not just in Iowa, but around the country would be substantial.

An ethanol plant producing 100 million gallons of ethanol creates over 2,000 jobs.

Right now, there are more than 43 ethanol production facilities in 20 states.

And yes, there are benefits to the agriculture industry that is the backbone of this state, the Midwest and the United States as a whole.

In spite of the desire many native sons and daughters of Iowa have to shed the misconception that we all grew up on farms, we are all dependent on the farm economy for our well-being, either directly or indirectly.

Ethanol could be to Iowa what the oil boom was to Texas — only this boom is good for the environment.

Ten percent ethanol in your gas means 25 percent less carbon monoxide. Ethanol reduces ozone pollution and greenhouse emissions.

Ethanol production increases crop values for farmers whose hard work has, for far too long, gone unappreciated in monetary terms.

Farmers are on the brink of ruin and that means Iowa is on the brink as well.

This could be the shot in the arm our state needs, and there is no purported downside that negates it.