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Spheres of Influence
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Battle of the Biofuels John Manuel Abstract
Currently, corn grain ethanol and soybean biodiesel are the predominant alternative transportation fuels in the United States. Although both are touted as "green" fuels, both require significant energy to produce, have adverse environmental impacts, and could divert corn and soybeans from the nation's food supply. Researchers at the University of Minnesota and St. Olaf College conducted a comprehensive analysis of the full life cycles of these biofuels to inform the debate over their true sustainability. The researchers concluded that soybean biodiesel has major advantages over corn grain ethanol, but that neither can be depended upon to significantly reduce U.S. dependence on petroleum without competing with the food supply. Instead, the report calls for the development of biofuels based on nonfood crops.
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