The substantial and growing interest in biofuels as a potential contribution to improving energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in delivering rural economic development benefits has been challenged in recent years by non-governmental organizations and some scientists.
Wind and solar power could become a major source of electricity for the United States, but only if the nation adopts new policies that promote renewable energy and that place a price on carbon. The report cites figures showing that renewable energy sources currently provide only a small fraction of U.S.
The CO2 emission performance standard policies outlined in this paper could complement a cap-and-trade program that puts a price on carbon and serve to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions from coal use for electricity generation.
This white paper synthesizes existing scientific data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to the production and expansion of biofuels. It is specifically focused towards assisting organizations that are developing sustainability standards for biofuels with the collection and interpretation of data.
