The Washington Times carried an editorial about ethanol last week from the director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, who will be speaking Tuesday at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Des Moines.

Dr. Gal Luft wrote about how the ethanol industry no longer has the blenders tax credit or the associated tariff on imports and his hope for an “open market” where all fuels can compete and consumers can choose their fuel.

“Congress should remove barriers to fuel competition so a variety of fuels, including ethanol, can be blended at any ratio consumers wish to pour into their tanks,” wrote Luft. “An open fuel standard would ensure new cars sold in the United States have flexible fuel engines designed to run on any combination of gasoline, ethanol and methanol. According to General Motors, adding fuel flexibility to a new gasoline-only automobile costs about $70.”

Luft will be speaking at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on Tuesday during the morning session, following addresses by four-star General Paul Kern (U.S. Army, ret.) and former Reagan National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane. All three will be discussing the importance of breaking America’s dependence on foreign oil.

Pre-registration for the 6th annual summit is closed now but on-site registration is still available starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial/Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.