Biofuel plants generate new air, water, soil problems for Iowa

Can ethanol and biodiesel production rise without bigtime damage to resources?

Iowa’s ramped-up ethanol and biodiesel fuel production led to 394 instances over the past six years in which the plants fouled the air, water or land or violated regulations meant to protect the health of Iowans and their environment.

In addition, many biologists consider the industry’s most prevalent environmental issue the water pollution and soil erosion that will accompany the increased corn production needed to meet ethanol’s soaring demand.

The buzz about biofuels centers on a huge environmental perk. During its production and use in vehicles, corn-based ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, emitting 20 percent less of the heat-trapping gases that contribute to global warming. Ethanol made from corncobs and switchgrass would cut the load by 90 percent.

But along with the benefits, the biofuel boom has brought environmental problems – and the total impact isn’t yet known – to Iowa, a Des Moines Sunday Register analysis shows.

Des Moines Register