The national interagency Biomass Research and Development Board released a report Thursday on the economic feasibility of developing both farm- and forest-derived biofuel supply sources to meet national targets for biofuels to reduce gasoline consumption.

Among the report’s overall conclusions is that new technologies resulting from research and development are crucial to developing a sustainable biofuel industry that meets national targets. Last year’s energy bill set out a Renewable Fuels Standard that calls for production of 36 billion gallons of biofuels annually by 2022.

“Our national security, our economy and the future of the planet require that we explore the development of biofuels in a cost-effective, environmentally sound manner and that we move beyond food crops to include a diverse base of feedstocks,” said Dr. Gale Buchanan, USDA chief scientist and undersecretary for research, education and economics, who co-chairs the Biomass Research and Development Board. “This report addresses the constraints and implications of meeting our biofuel production goals and provides invaluable guidance for further research.”

Additional information:

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/12/0304.xml

Kevin Weeks

Public Information Officer

Oregon Department of Forestry

Agency Affairs Office / Private Forests Division

(503) 945-7427