Energy Center

The Energy Center was pleased that Wally Tyner, Co-Chair of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Economic and Environmental Impacts of Increasing Biofuels Production, agreed to provide a seminar on this important study on Friday, November 18, 2011 at noon in Pfendler Hall. Maureen McCann, Director of the Energy Center, introduced him to a "standing room only" crowd. 

Wally provided an informative summary of the major findings from the study released by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences in October of 2011. Perhaps the most controversial finding was that the U.S. is unlikely to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2022 for cellulosic biofuels. Wally will provide a description of the data and analysis underlying this conclusion. Another controversial finding was that the RFS may not be an effective way to reduce GHG emissions. The background for this finding will be reviewed as well. In addition, he reviewed the committee’s assessment of impacts on food and feed prices, land values, government budget, environmental impacts, and other areas. He closed after 45 minutes and fielded several questions from the audience.

If you were unable to attend the lecture, you may download his presentation at the following link: presentation.  A video of his presentation will be posted soon.

The full report is available online at no charge in pdf format. Site registration is required. Additional information regarding the study and its release in Washington, DC last month, may be found in the Purdue news story.