Biofuels
A variety of liquid and gaseous fuels can be made from biomass, or plant material. These fuels are referred to as "biofuels." Biofuels are a potential global warming solution because, theoretically, they emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional fossil fuels.
Background
The Northeast is home to a very significant forest products industry and an abundant supply of woody biomass and wood by-products. Next generation biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, made from woody biomass or grasses have the potential to have lower lifecycle GHG emissions than alternative fuels from corn, sugar cane and soybeans in other regions. Commercializing sustainable production of advanced fuels from woody biomass and grasses as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels could be an important mechanism for helping the region lower its GHG emissions and could become a new, local revenue stream. ENE is involved in efforts to research the potential environmental and economic impacts of increasing the use and production of biofuels in the Northeast. ENE's goal is to ensure that policies and incentives to promote biofuels in the Northeast include guidelines that will guarantee net carbon benefits and will avoid unintended consequences for ecosystems in the region or elsewhere.
