| Description |
1 online resource (vi, 175 p.) : ill., col. map |
| Note |
Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Oct. 8, 2009). |
|
"August 2009." |
| Summary |
In December 2007, the Congress expanded the renewable fuel standard (RFS), which requires rising use of ethanol and other biofuels, from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons in 2022. To meet the RFS, the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) are developing advanced biofuels that use cellulosic feedstocks, such as corn stover and switchgrass. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the RFS. This report examines, among other things, (1) the effects of increased biofuels production on U.S. agriculture, environment, and greenhouse gas emissions; (2) federal support for domestic biofuels production; and (3) key challenges in meeting the RFS. GAO extensively reviewed scientific studies, interviewed experts and agency officials, and visited five DOE and USDA laboratories. GAO suggests that the Congress consider requiring EPA to develop a strategy to assess lifecycle environmental effects of increased biofuels production and whether revisions are needed to the VEETC. GAO also recommends that EPA, DOE, and USDA develop a coordinated approach for addressing uncertainties in lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis and give priority to R&D that addresses future blend wall issues. DOE, USDA, and EPA generally agreed with the recommendations. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Note |
"GAO-09-446." |
| Subject |
Biomass energy -- Government policy -- United States.
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Alcohol as fuel -- Government policy -- United States.
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Renewable energy sources -- Government policy -- United States.
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Agriculture and energy -- United States.
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Biomass energy -- Environmental aspects.
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Biomass energy -- Climatic factors.
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Greenhouse gas mitigation -- United States.
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United States. Department of Energy -- Rules and practice.
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United States. Environmental Protection Agency -- Rules and practice.
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| Added Title |
Potential effects and challenges of required increases in production and use |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-09-446 |
|
