Implications of US biofuels policy for sustainable transportation energy in Maine and the Northeast

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS

卷:70

Review

Neupane, Binod^1,2  Rubin, Jonathan² 

[1] Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab, Joint BioEnergy Inst, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA

[2] Univ Maine, Sch Econ, Orono, ME 04469 USA

关键词: Biomass availability;    Biomass definitions;    Biofuel policy;    Drop-in biofuel;    Ecological factors;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.rser.2016.11.253

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Drop-in biofuels that are compatible with the existing vehicle and retail infrastructure continue to receive great attention due to their promise inoaddressing climate change and energy security concerns stemming from use of petroleum-based fuels. In this paper we discuss current drop-in biofuel production technologies and assess relevant biofuel policies in the U.S., particularly those impacting forest biomass in Maine and the Northeast. In this context, we examine the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) policy and its definition of biomass which favors biomass from plantations regardless of actual ecological impacts on biodiversity, soil and water quality. We argue that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should consider revising the definition of biomass eligible for renewable fuel credits to include sustainably managed natural forests.

【 授权许可】

Free