Biofuel Carbon Accounting Systems and Policies
ID: 3706

Abstract: The carbon footprint of alternative liquid fuels (biofuel) – such as ethanol distilled from corn and other biofuel made from inedible plants like switch-grass – has been debated for months in scientific, corporate, and environmental circles. Substantial controversy occurred following the Searchinger, et al, and Farigone, et al, articles in the February 8, 2008, issue of Science, over the carbon impacts of indirect land use associated with biofuel production. These articles and others have highlighted the need to establish systems to measure U.S. progress re: the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which requires a 20% carbon reduction from corn ethanol and a 50% reduction from next generation cellulosic ethanol to meet the RFS. Further, it is widely anticipated that the Obama administration will implement a broader U.S. carbon policy which will create more far reaching challenges in the near future. Governments in other countries are also struggling to formulate carbon accounting systems and policies that will encourage the substitution of alternative liquid fuels that significantly lower fuel carbon emissions.

This panel discussion will feature experts from three stakeholder groups to discuss biofuels and carbon policies being considered in the U.S. and abroad, and their implications for the future of the biofuels market.









Moderator: Jill Euken, Iowa State University, Office of Biotechnology (United States)

Presenter 1: Overview of Biofuel Carbon Assessments Under Consideration in California, U.S. EPA, and EU
John Miranowski, Iowa State University, (United States)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 2: Biofuels Carbon Accounting Systems and Policies: A Viewpoint from U.S. Agribusiness Sector 
Tristan Brown, Iowa State University, (United States)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 3: Biofuels Carbon Assessment Systems: Viewpoint for Multinational Company 
Ian Purtle, Cargill, Inc, (United States)  [Confirmed]

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Panel Organizer:
Jill Euken, Iowa State University, Office of Biotechnology, (United States)

Why should your submission should be selected for this year’s program?
This session will feature perspectives from three unique viewpoints regarding carbon assessment systems under development and consideration around the world