Environmentalists Debate the Promise of Biofuels

Click on the logo to visit the NPR webpage for an overview of the discussion on the net carbon efficiency of biofuel production. The webpage also includes an audio link to the entire program.

NPR Program "Talk of the Nation: Science Friday" included an informative discussion with researchers who recently published a report in Science Magazine questioning the environmental impacts of biofuels production. (See the NRDC report that expresses the need to adopt a federal low-carbon fuel standard.)

This study took carbon efficiency accounting past the obvious concerns about clearing old growth forests or rainforests to produce corn, soy, palm, or other feedstocks for biofuels. This research expresses additional concern - and quantifies some of the net carbon detriment - relative to converting present food crop acreage or undisturbed prairie grasslands for fuel crop production.

Governor Schwarzenegger in California has promoted a carbon efficiency accounting system that will be applied to all biofuels offered for sale in California. Environmental groups are promoting the same such accountability nationwide to assure we gain maximum effect from renewable biofuels in our effort to combat global climate change. This latest research reinforces a need to maintain a "cradle to grave" assessment of all biofuels to assure effectiveness and to award efficiencies in the marketplace.

The "Science Friday" discussion also included a visit with two companies (Solazyme and Coskata) that are producing the "next generation" of biofuels, including those made from algae and from organic waste. Ultimately, they present a roadmap for the way in which biodiesel and other renewable fuels can continue to improve their net carbon efficiencies while creating "Home Grown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin."

Also see the NRDC discussion of their advocacy for a federal low carbon fuel standard. It presents an informative look at sustainability of biofuels.