Potentially Invasive Biofuels

The newest, and most up and coming biofuel crop, Switchgrass and Miscanthus, are in the process of being approved for use country-wide based solely on their low greenhouse gas emission production. However, researchers at the University of Illinois found evidence that it may be an invasive species and are trying to stop its approval before it is too late. Unlike many biofuel crops in the past, farmers were unaware at the time of their invasive properties and were left with little to no alternative. Thankfully,  University of Illinois graduates have developed both a set of regulatory definitions and 49 other low-risk biofuel plants for growers to choose from.

Lauren Quinn, invasive plant ecologist at the University mentioned that, “ There are not a lot of existing regulations that would prevent the planting of potentially invasive species at both state and federal levels. If there are, the laws are either poorly defined or not defined at all.”  In my opinion, I find it refreshing to know that there is research being done to prevent a widespread issue before it has the chance to flourish. I am a huge fan of converting plants to ethanol and any other sort of environmental technology, but agree with the University students; more definitive laws should be put in place.  I was shocked to read that only 2% of the United States has laws written about biofuel usage. Seeing a number that low (meaning only 4 states have some sort of law) makes me wonder the severity of this issue in the court's perspective. In other words, I wonder why this issue was not brought up in the past and if that (reason) will act as a barrier to getting the presented laws passed in the first place. Growers are basically given free reign as to what they are allowed to do, and I firmly believe that if the undergraduates plan for alternatives to invasive biofuel crops and well-written, straightforward laws gets passed, it will be extremely beneficial to both the growers and the overall well being of the environment. 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140807145616.htm