Effects and Challenges of Increased Biofuel Production and Use

To meet the renewable fuel standard (RFS), domestic biofuels production must increase significantly, with uncertain effects for agriculture and the environment. For agriculture, many experts say that biofuels production has contributed to crop price increases as well as increases in the price of livestock and poultry feed and, to a lesser extent, food. In regard to the environment, many experts believe that increased biofuels production could impair water quality, as well as the risk of reductions water availability, degradation of air and soil quality, and adverse affects on wildlife habitat. This book examines the effects of increased biofuels production on U.S. agriculture, the environment, and greenhouse gas emissions; as well as federal support for domestic biofuels production and key challenges in meeting the renewable fuel standard (RFS).