Just sayin'...cellulosic ethanol (many other sources of crap to turn besides corn) production yields energy balances of 8-1, compared to corn ethanol's 1.5 to 1.
Don't mistake me for saying this is a be-all end-all fuel. But it's promising.
If you're looking for a decent read, check this out:
http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/18227/