Biofuel policy must evaluate environmental, food security and energy goals to maximize net benefits

Steven E Sexton, Deepak Rajagapol, Gal Hochman, David D Zilberman and David Roland-Holst

Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley, Working Paper Series from Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley

Abstract: The biofuel industry has received billions of dollars in support from governments around the world, as political leaders respond to new environmental and energy-security imperatives. However, a growing body of research highlights nontrivial costs associated with biofuel production, including environmental destruction and diminished food security, and questions the magnitude of perceived benefits. We discuss the ability of biofuels to accomplish climate change, rural development and energy-security objectives, and consider possible impacts on food production and environmental conservation. We also review methods for judging biofuels, consider how well they contribute to policy objectives, and compare policies that support biofuels.

Keywords: Economics and Public Policy; biofuel; biotechnology; ethanol; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009-10-01
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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