So, did anybody do any studies where, the "expected" impact on the environment was laid out?
Why implement programs that have no real studies that point to real benefits? With the current production levels, somebody should have some studies pointing to some benefits to the environment along the way.
The impact of those biofuels is already being felt, and that is at the gas pump, and at the grocery stores and at the food table. For example, the government mandates that 40% of corn be used to produce biofuels. That is impacting the price of corn which is a food staple, and the price of corn has gone up, and any products that use corn as an ingredient, have also gone up in price. Biofuels are also damaging to various parts of a car where the biofuel makes any type of contact, That would mean more repairs and raises the cost of overall maintenance of vehicles.
Nothing is without impact or without repercussions. But, sometimes, the agenda is more important, no matter how damaging.
According to a new study, California is the preferred home for companies focusing on biofuel production.
Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), a community of business leaders who attempt to promote clean energy policies, have released an analysis which shows where the highest concentrations of biofuel firms, refineries and operations are based in the United States.
The study says that California is the most popular home of biofuel corporations, with over 30 currently in residence. In addition, there are over 80 firms and operations now located in at least 27 states.
California is the most popular, but Illinois lays claim to eight biofuel operations, Colorado hosts six, Texas currently has three and Iowa has four biofuel firms and refineries.
Their Web site, Fueling Growth, hosts an interactive map which details where energy firms in the United States are based. Places of operation can also be chosen based on different industries including aviation, biodiesel, ethanol, crude oil and renewable gasoline.
According to E2, U.S. and Canadian biofuel production capacity increased from 427 million gallons in 2011 to over 685 million gallons in 2012. The organization also says that capacity is expected to reach 2.6 billion gallons by 2015 — although the impact on the environment is yet to be seen.
However, the group remains optimistic over the concept of biofuel, and believes that tax incentives — such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) — will help keep the young industry afloat.
“States that will benefit the most from this promising and important industry are those that support sound clean fuel policies,” said Mary Solecki, clean fuels analyst at E2. “States that ignore this growing economic development opportunity risk missing out in the future.”
Photo Credit: robstephaustralia
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