Oregon could lead in biofuels but must choose wisely to be sustainable

A report released today about Oregon's fledgling effort to encourage the development of biofuels -- eco-friendly versions of petroleum-based fuels -- applauds the state for its inroads.

But it recommends that policy makers promote only those ethanol and biodiesel refineries that use environmentally and socially sound practices.

"Not all biofuels are equal from a sustainability perspective," sums up a news release from the Oregon Environmental Council, which produced the report.

"Fueling Oregon with Sustainable Biofuels" concludes that "one of the most important steps the state can take" in the near term is to adopt a low-carbon fuel standard. The mandate would call on all fuel providers to gradually reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the fuels they sell.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/10/report_oregon_could_be_biofuel.html

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

http://www.oeconline.org/economy/sustainablebiofuels/index_html