Posted by Jamie in Climate Change, Green Products & Services | 0 Comments
Time to get ’smart’ on biofuels
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Last February, the Sierra Club and Worldwatch Institute put out a report called Smart Choices for Biofuels that focuses on important policy reforms on America’s effort to intensify the use of biofuels. It also cites the environmental and economic effects of first-generation biofuels like corn ethanol, recommends plans to make the biofuels industry become sustainable and promotes specific policy recommendations in four important categories:
* Promoting policy coherence across energy sectors
* Developing sustainability standards
* Creating green jobs through biofuels
* Advancing biofuels production and new technologies
Production of US biofuels resulted into 9 billion gallons where corn ethanol was the number one source. In addition, Congressional decrees call for the utilization of 36 billion gallons of biofuels come year 2022.
Since 2005, domestic biofuels output has doubled and reports tackled issues associated with the production’s increase of renewable fuels which also includes emissions profile of corn ethanol; impacts on the nation’s land, water, and air; the effect on the Conservation Reserve Program; and global warming.
Smart Choices for Biofuels outlines a future way for biofuels to guarantee that they are more sustainable — both socially and environmentally — and that the usage of renewable fuels for transportation supports the worldwide drive to decrease global warming pollution.
The steps suggested in the report include a quickened transition to cellulosic feedstock like switchgrass and the usage of more effective agricultural practices to minimize erosion and soil nutrient depletion. Report also showed interdependent steps beyond improvements in biofuels production – the promotion of plug-in hybrid vehicles and increased investments in public transportation – which is helpful in achieving vital climate and energy goals.
Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director, is quick to note that even though our environmental problems are quite apparent, if we make smart choices, using biofuel for our economy, climate, and environment will give positive results while our energy security is improved.
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