By AP/KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-520484.mp3
St. Louis, MO – People in the ethanol business say it's one of the few bright spots in America's energy outlook. They claim it will reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil and increase demand for Midwestern corn.
In Missouri and Illinois, nine ethanol plants are already operating. And more facilities are in the planning stages.
But critics say despite all the buzz, gasoline will not face serious competition from ethanol anytime soon.
KWMU's Matt Sepic prepared this report.