Expanding Biofuel Production and the Transition to Advanced Biofuels Lessons for Sustainability from the Upper Midwest: Summary of a Workshop (2010) / Chapter Skim
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V: Going Forward
V: Going Forward
Pages 29-36
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From page 29... ...
It also describes ongoing research and existing analytical tools to address some of the current uncertainties, and includes ideas, given by participants, for additional research and tools. As stated earlier, many participants noted that there is considerable un certainty about future directions in the biofuel industry with regard to federal and state policies, feedstocks and technologies, financing, and energy markets.
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From page 30... ...
While the EISA provisions requiring some biofuels to meet GHG targets were applauded, many participants were disappointed by the act's failure to create any incentives for corn-based ethanol producers to reduce emission levels or encourage performance improvements. Similarly, EISA's failure to require that new production meet standards beyond those set for GHG emissions was seen, by a number of workshop participants, as problematic from a sustainability perspective.
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From page 31... ...
Another prob lem for investors is that while there are federal production mandates for advanced biofuels, these requirements can be waived -- again creating market uncertainty. Many participants noted that the most important environmental and social impacts associated with current corn-based ethanol and advanced biofuels are also an area of some uncertainty.
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From page 32... ...
The DOE Regional Biomass Feedstock Partnership program is focused primarily on feed stock production. The program is a partnership with the Sun Grant universities to conduct field trials exploring ways to maximize yields and minimize inputs, whether water or nutrients, as well as reduce soil erosion.
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From page 33... ...
Participants identified a number of high-priority areas for data monitoring, future research, and metrics, including the following: • Better monitoring data, especially to assess the water quality and water quantity effects of increasing production of cellulosic and other advanced biofuel feedstocks. • Research on the impacts of expanded production on individuals, communities, states, and regions; the extent to which local ownership increases the vulnerability of local communities; and how different ownership patterns encourage or discourage innovation and enhanced environmental stewardship.
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From page 34... ...
Choices regarding the most sustainable feedstock technology, the type of fuel to produce, and a timeline for commercial-scale production pose critical uncertainties. • Understanding Unintended Consequences, Value of Science The majority of participants noted that much of the underlying scientific information on biofuel production is subject to variations -- often times based on dynamic factors such as climate change, ecosystem health and increased efficiencies in feedstock and conversion technologies.
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From page 35... ...
biofuel industry expands. Such areas as hu man health and well-being, social and community impacts, and infra structure needs and distribution networks were identified as requiring more in-depth research.
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