ENVR 187 |
| This paper results from the National Research Council's Committee on the Water Implications of Biofuels Production in the United States, sponsored by the McKnight Foundation, Energy Foundation, EPA, and NSF. The President's goal of 35 billion gallons of biofuels production by 2017 is an ambitious goal that will help towards greater energy security in America. But, also, it may result in significant water availability and water quality problems which are discussed in this report. Implications for water quantity arise from two issues: water required for growing the feedstock crop and water required to process biofuels at the production facility. Both cases are detailed in the NRC report and this paper and water quality impacts are also investigated. Today, corn kernels are the predominant feedstock for biofuels production via fermentation to ethanol. Corn is a crop with high demand for water, nutrients and pesticides and which results in significant soil erosion impacting water quality. The Committee explored technological and policy options which may allow for expansion of the biofuels industry with improved environmental performance. |
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Understanding the Water Footprint of Energy Production from Conventional and Alternative Sources
1:30 PM-4:50 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 236, Oral
Sci-Mix
Division of Environmental Chemistry |