Romney Backs Ethanol Subsidies

The Hill reports:

Likely GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Friday voiced his support for ethanol subsidies during his first visit of the year to Iowa.

Asked about his position on federal ethanol subsidies following a talk at the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Presidential Forum Speaker Series, Romney said that ethanol is an important part of the nation's energy supply.

Ethanol subsidies are popular in Iowa, which has a large agricultural industry that produces the corn-based fuel. The issue typically looms large over the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses, and successful presidential candidates have typically supported subsidies.

“I support the subsidy of ethanol,” said Romney, according to strong>ABC News<. “I believe it’s an important part of our energy solution in this country.”