The New York Times recently reported that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is “closely linked” to ethanol interests. The article, “Obama Camp Closely Linked With Ethanol,” notes Obama’s powerful advisers and supporters with close ties to the industry, including friend Tom Daschle, the former Senate majority leader from South Dakota who now serves on the boards of three ethanol companies. But Obama is open about his support of ethanol and his ties to his advisers (after all– they’re his advisers).

The real concern is that there are many environmentalists, consumer advocates and economists who have been critical of corn ethanol programs. Are any of them on Obama’s advisory board?

Marketplace:Campaigns clash over ethanol
June 23, 2008. John McCain and Barack Obama both kicked off their campaigns in Iowa, the state where corn is king, but they have very different views when it comes to corn in the form of ethanol. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports on Marketplace.

Environmental Defense Fund: A Level-Headed Look at Ethanol and the Environment
September 20, 2007. Environmental Defense released a mini-report that analyzes what kind of impact expanding ethanol production might have on the environment.

NewsHour: Corn Farmers Prosper, Others Lose Out with Ethanol Use
May 15, 2008. As corn prices have risen with demand for ethanol in recent years, corn farmers are prospering. But others — such as hog farmers who rely on corn feed — are facing tough times, and some critics blame ethanol demand for rising food prices worldwide.

NewsHour: Questions Loom over Increased Ethanol Use
October 9, 2007. While the appeal of a renewable, home-grown alternative to foreign oil has put ethanol front and center in U.S. energy policy discussions, the fuel still faces critics who question its feasibility as a replacement for oil and its impact on the environment.

Nightly Business Report: Fuel Options
May 13, 2008. Midwest Bureau Chief Diane Eastabrook profiles scientists working to improve corn for ethanol production. More stories on other alternative fuels on that page as well.

USDA: The Facts About Ethanol

NOW on PBS: Biodiesel 101
January 12, 2007. Answers to basic questions about biofuels, including biodiesel and ethanol.