The United States is experiencing an economic shock due to recent hikes
in the price of oil and natural gas. For farmers, the prices of nitrogen
fertilizer and fuel have risen to unprecedented levels, putting profits at
risk. The President, Congress, industry, and the public are all calling for
independence from imported oil. Ethanol produced from cellulosic
biomass is a sustainable and achievable alternative to help fuel
America’s transportation system. At the same time, biomass crops must
help support profitable agricultural systems, vital rural towns, and public
demand for environmental protection.