Excerpt from The Ethanol Debate
Natalie Stewart
The benefits of ethanol include lowering the amount of harmful carbon dioxide gases released into the air by burning fossil fuels like gasoline, as well as decreasing the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. Though many people support the production of ethanol for use as an alternative fuel, most of them ignore the serious drawbacks of ethanol use.
In addition, opponents of ethanol note that government subsidies cost American taxpayers more money. These costs are in addition to rising fuel prices, which are currently almost four dollars per gallon. Many people are disappointed in ethanol because they believed that it would help reduce the price at the pump, not increase it. Overall, it would be more cost-effective for everyone if the government pursued other options for fuel and energy sources.
Ethanol has some benefits. However, overenthusiastic supporters should consider all sides of the issue before taking actions that are already putting America’s economy in a precarious position.
Which statement implies that some ethanol supporters have changed their minds about the fuel?
A) “These costs are in addition to rising fuel prices, which are currently almost four dollars per gallon.”
B) “Many people are disappointed in ethanol because they believed that it would help reduce the price at the pump, not increase it.”
C) “Though many people support the production of ethanol for use as an alternative fuel, most of them ignore the serious drawbacks of ethanol use.”
D) “However, overenthusiastic supporters should consider all sides of the issue before taking actions that are already putting America’s economy in a precarious position.”
