Overview
- Rising fossil fuel prices and policy changes, including
the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act
(EISA) of 2007, have created an environment where research
development and investment in renewable energy sources
have gained new momentum.
- Although most bioenergy
production currently comes from agricultural crops such
as grains, oilseeds, and sugar, research is increasingly
focused on cellulosic sources of biomass such as wood
and perennial grasses, use of which would expand the range
of potential feedstocks.
- In the United States at this
time, ethanol (produced mainly from corn) is the largest
source of bioenergy used as a fuel additive or substitute
for petroleum fuel, while biodiesel (made from vegetable
oils and fats) provides a smaller share of bioenergy.
- The rapid
increase in grain-based ethanol production and the potential
use of cellulosic materials as an ethanol feedstock affects
agricultural markets, local communities, consumer prices,
and environmental quality.
ERS information products include
current estimates and projections of commodity supply,
demand, and retail food prices. Further information and
analyses describe conditions of the U.S. agricultural
system, land use, rural communities, and the environment,
and the impacts that bioenergy development may have on
these areas.
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