Researchers says greenhouse gases from biofuel production can be reduced to “nearly zero”; impacts EPA biofuel lifecycle analysis?

Researchers from Michigan State and Phillips Academy published a study in Environmental Science & Technology that demonstrates how greenhouse gas emissions associated with biofuels cultivation can be reduced to “nearly zero” based on no-till agriculture and other advanced agricultural practices. The study’s co-authors include ethanol pioneer Dr. Bruce Dale of Michigan State.

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s Industrial & Environmental Section, said that the new study should have great impact on the development of lifecycle assessments of biofuels. A complete lifecycle assessment model is under development by the EPA as part of its obligations under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.

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