Study: Biofuels Worse for Environment Than Regular Gasoline

NCPA April 25, 2014

A new federally-funded study indicates that biofuels from corn plants are actually worse for global warming in the short-term, says USA Today.

Biofuels have been touted by the Obama administration and others as a solution to climate change, but the study indicates otherwise.

• Biofuels made with corn residue actually release 7 percent more greenhouse gases in early years of use, compared to traditional gasoline.
• While ultimately better in the long run, the fuels will not be able to meet federal standards to qualify as a renewable fuel, as they require biofuels to emit 60 percent less carbon pollution than gasoline.

Cellulosic biofuels have received over $1 billion in federal aid, and half of the cellulosic market is from corn residue. The industry criticized the study, insisting it was too simplistic and overestimated certain figures.

Source: Dina Cappiello, "Study: Fuels From Corn Waste Worse Than Gas," USA Today, April 20, 2014.