Measurements of emissions from the burning of biofuels derived from Europe’s rapeseed and America’s corn have been found to produce more greenhouse gas emissions than they save. The Times, via checkbiotech via Doug Powell.
With the US Senate aiming to increase corn ethanol production sevenfold by 2022, greenhouse gas emissions from transport will rise by 6 per cent. Rapeseed and corn biodiesels were calculated to produce up to 70 per cent and 50 per cent more greenhouse gases respectively than fossil fuels.
Sadly, I’ve assumed that if a policy is formed during this era of government, it’s wrong. While happy last year to see a shift to agricultural fuels, I’m learning this year that inadequate research, favors to friends and pulpit populism are behind America’s biofuel policies.
“One wants rational decisions rather than simply jumping on the bandwagon because superficially something appears to reduce emissions,” said Keith Smith, a professor at the University of Edinburgh.