Part of the Government Series, Energy: from TheCapitol.Net
Biofuels have grown significantly in the past few years as a
component of U.S. motor fuel supply. Current U.S. biofuels supply
relies primarily on ethanol produced from Midwest corn. Today,
ethanol is blended in more than half of all U.S. gasoline (at the
10% level or lower in most cases). Federal policy has played a key
role in the emergence of the U.S. biofuels industry in general, and
the corn ethanol industry in particular. U.S. biofuels production
is supported by federal and state policies that include minimum
usage requirements, blending and production tax credits, an import
tariff to limit importation of foreign-produced ethanol, loans and
loan guarantees to facilitate the development of biofuels
production and distribution infrastructure, and research
grants.
Since the late 1970s, U.S. policy makers at both the federal and
state levels have enacted a variety of incentives, regulations, and
programs to encourage the production and use of agriculture-based
renewable energy. Motivations cited for these legislative
initiatives include energy security concerns, reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions, and raising domestic demand for
U.S.-produced farm products.
Agricultural households and rural communities have responded to
these government incentives and have expanded their production of
renewable energy, primarily in the form of biofuels and wind power,
every year since 1996.
Ethanol and biodiesel, the two most widely used biofuels,
receive significant government support under federal law in the
form of mandated fuel use, tax incentives, loan and grant programs,
and certain regulatory requirements.
Ethanol plays a key role in policy discussions about energy,
agriculture, taxes, and the environment. In the United States it is
mostly made from corn; in other countries it is often made from
cane sugar. Fuel ethanol is generally blended in gasoline to reduce
emissions, increase octane, and extend gasoline stock.
U.S. policy to expand the production of biofuel for domestic
energy use has significant implications for agriculture and
resource use. While ongoing research and development investment may
radically alter the way biofuel is produced in the future, for now,
corn-based ethanol continues to account for most biofuel
production. As corn ethanol production increases, so does the
production of corn. The effect on agricultural commodity markets
has been national, but commodity production adjustments, and
resulting environmental consequences, vary across regions. Changes
in the crop sector have also affected the cost of feed for
livestock producers.
Complete Table of Contents at www.TCNEthanol.com
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