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Journal Article
The future of biofuel (panel discussion)
Journal Article
Roles for evolving markets, policies, and technology improvements in U.S. corn ethanol industry development
This article reviews changes in markets, technologies, and policies that affect corn ethanol profit-ability and industry expansion. Historically, the corn ethanol industry was stimulated by high petro-fuel prices, successful corn and processing technology improvements, and government incentives, such as a blenders' tax credit and mandated markets defined by the leaded fuel ban and reformulated fuel. Presently, the corn ethanol industry has expanded slightly beyond the point of a normal capital return, which is defined by limits on corn resource availability and ethanol marketing ...
Journal Article
Commentary
Journal Article
The U.S. ethanol industry
Ethanol is vital to achieving greater American energy independence. It is today's only viable and available fuel that can be substituted for gasoline. Unlike oil, ethanol is renewable-it will never run out. As science moves from making ethanol from corn to producing it from corn cobs and other plant materials, ethanol will continue to be a sustainable and effective energy solution for the world. America's dependence on foreign oil causes enormous problems for Americans every day-raising the prices on everything from gas to groceries and sending money and jobs overseas. This article summarizes ...
Journal Article
Editor's introduction
Newsletter
Ethanol: is corn the golden fuel?
With oil prices well over $100 per barrel, policymakers are considering everything from new fuel efficiency standards to biomass in an effort to reduce U.S. gasoline consumption. High oil prices, global warming, and the vitality of the American farm have introduced words such as ?ethanol,? ?E85?, and ?flexible-fuel vehicle? to American households. However, the potential costs and benefits of ethanol production should be considered objectively. This month's newsletter explores the costs and benefits of America's golden fuel?ethanol.
Journal Article
Commentary
Journal Article
Commentary
Journal Article
The impact of the ethanol boom on rural America
Since 2005, surging U.S. ethanol production has helped reshape the rural economy. Ethanol production has increased nonfarm activity in many rural communities. Moreover, increased ethanol production contributed to rising crop prices, increased net returns, and a jump in cropland values both nationally and regionally. However, rising crop prices cut livestock revenues by boosting feed costs. As a result, while ethanol proponents tout the benefits emerging from the ethanol industry, opponents rail against its adverse side effects. Although the expanding ethanol industry has made a sizable impact ...
Journal Article
Economic and environmental impacts of U.S. corn ethanol production and use
For many years, U.S. policy initiatives and incentives have favored the production of ethanol from corn. The goals have been to increase corn prices and farmer income, enhance rural employment through encouragement of value-added businesses, increase energy security, and produce additives and/or fuels capable of reducing tailpipe pollutants and greenhouse gases. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established annual goals via a renewable fuels standard that would have increased production of ethanol and biodiesel to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012. That bill was superseded by the Energy Independence ...