EarthScape Update

The December 2006/January 2007 Earthscape update
(www.earthscape.org) calls attention to recent breakthroughs in
biofuel research and development. The NSF just announced that
diverse mixtures of native prairie plant species have emerged as a
leader in the quest to identify the best source of biomass for
producing sustainable, bio-based fuel to replace petroleum.

The research shows that mixtures of native perennial grasses and
other flowering plants provide more usable energy per acre than
corn grain ethanol or soybean biodiesel and are far better for the
environment. Even when grown on infertile soils, they can provide
a substantial portion of global energy needs, leave fertile land
for food production and help replenish depleted soil.

The fuels made from prairie biomass are "carbon negative”, which
means that producing and using them actually reduces the amount of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Excited about this development, Earthscape has put together a
collection of research, policy and educational resources exploring
the development and potential of biofuel.