SUSTAINABLE Biofuels Campaign

The Ecology Center's Sustainable Biofuels Campaign promotes policy solutions that increase our energy independence, decrease Michigan's global warming pollution, and encourage sustainable agricultural and forestry practices that improve soil quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and preserve other conservation values. For Michigan to become a leader in sustainable biofuels, we must first shift incentives away from corn ethanol to next generation, cellulosic biofuels (e.g., grasses and woody biomass), and other low-carbon fuels (such as clean electricity for plug-in electric cars).

What's Happening in Michigan

Granholm Says Mascoma Agreement Puts Michigan at Forefront of Next Generation Fuel

Biofuels: The Good, The Bad, The Low-Carbon

Low Carbon Fuel Standard Factsheet (pdf)

Ecology Center Plays Role in Historic Passage of New Fuel Economy Standards

Michigan can grow biofuels the right way, Ecology Center's Charles Griffith in Detroit Free Press

Growing a New Economy for Michigan, MSU Office of Biobased Technologies

Granholm Says New Ethanol Plant to Put Michigan First in Race to Turn "Wood to Wheels"

 

 

 

 

The Green Machines Tour talks with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Jim Kleinschmit

Useful Links & Resources

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (aka Farm Bill) Information

Learn About the Recommendations from the Renewable Fuels Commission (RFC) to the Governor and State Legislators (pdf)

Putting Biofuels on the Right Track: Renewable Fuels Standard safeguards protect wildlife and the environment, Natural Resources Defense Council (pdf)

Getting Biofuels Right: Eight Steps for Reaping Real Environmental Benefits from Biofuels, Natural Resources Defense Council (pdf)

Biofuels for Transport: Global Potential and Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Energy in the 21st Century, World Watch Institute

Biofuels:  An Important Part of a Low Fuel Diet, Union of Concerned Scientists (pdf)

Minnesota: Growing Better Biofuels, Clean Energy Minnesota Campaign

California: Air Resources Board Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Oregon: Fueling Oregon with Sustainable Biofuels, A report by the Oregon Environmental Council, October 2007

Iowa: Destination Iowa: Getting to a Sustainable Biofuels Future