A general theory is developed to analyze the efficiency and income distribution effects of a biofuel consumer tax exemption and the interaction effects with a price contingent farm subsidy. Using U.S. policy as an example, ethanol prices rise above the gasoline price by the amount of the tax...

A general theory of cross-subsidization due to infra-marginal support is developed. Two sources of output distortion are identified: exit deterrence and extra-marginal output. Some firms would not be in business without the subsidy. Cost savings due to declining average costs are always greater...

A framework is developed to analyze the effects of a biofuel consumer tax exemption and the interaction effects with a price contingent farm subsidy. Ethanol prices rise above the gasoline price by the amount of the tax credit. Corn farmers gain directly while gasoline consumers only gain from...