Grass and corn may be the easiest way for America to break from its international fuel dependency, according to U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers.

Rogers visited the MSU ethanol research facility Wednesday as part of a two-day tour that focused on moving the U.S. away from gasoline to ethanol gas.

Using ethanol gas, which is primarily made from corn, will allow the U.S. to break away from dependency with hostile nations for fuel, Rogers said.

"Every time some crazy dictator has a problem, our prices go up," Rogers said. "We're completely shackled."

Rogers said MSU's research is critical to the next generation of energy independence.

Ethanol gas could be available at a dollar per gallon in five to six years because of research done at the facility, Rogers said. Scientists at the facility are working to find more profitable ways to produce ethanol gas at prices competitive with gasoline.

This means discovering the most efficient way to make ethanol gas from corn or grasses, such as switchgrass and corn stover, Rogers said.

"When they can answer that question, it will be a great day for America," Rogers said.

Chemical engineering professor Bruce Dale, said grass would make an efficient alternative to corn.

"Grassoline," as Dale called it, could greatly reduce the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

"We spend $250 billion to buy oil from places in the world that don't like us … all the while damaging the environment and the domestic economy," he said.

Dale said using ethanol gas will prevent the environmental problems that come from shipping oil that makes traditional gasoline.

"If you spill crude oil, you have major problems in the marine environment. If you spill ethanol, you have a few drunk seals, but that's about it," Dale said.

Rogers will make three appearances today, including a 10 a.m. news conference at Citgo, 29009 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, He plans to announce legislation at the press conference that will fund the installation of ethanol-friendly equipment at gas stations across the country.

The Southfield gas station is one of the few in Michigan that offers ethanol gas.

Most gas stations are privately owned and cannot afford to install the equipment, Rogers said.

There are about 600 gas stations in the country that offer ethanol gas, Rogers said. With the legislation, he hopes to set up grants that will help to double that number within a year.

Rogers estimated that about $20 million will be needed to jump-start investments in ethanol gas.

"We're still trying to understand how much (money) is needed to accelerate (investments)," Rogers said of the legislation.