Basics on Cellulosic Ethanol and Agrofuels

"Next Generation Biofuels": Bursting the New "Green" Bubble January 15, 2009.

This letter challenges unrealistic promises from an unsustainable industry. The groups originating the letter include Global Justice Ecology Project, Rainforest Action Network, Food First, Family Farm Defenders, Grassroots International, ETC Group, Institute for Social Ecology, Heartwood, Dogwood Alliance, Energy Justice Network, and Native Forest Council.
Biofuel/Sustainability Papers by UC-Berkeley's Dr. T. W. Patzek

Mass and Energy Balances of the Switchgrass-Ethanol Cycle. July 9, 2008.

By Dr. Tad Patzek. Scientific, peer reviewed study taking a critical look at the net energy returns and some environmental impacts. Clear, concise and only 10 pages.

Ethanol Production Using Corn, Switchgrass, and Wood. March 2005.

By Pimentel and Patzek. Scientific, detailed, and comprehensive look into ethanol from switchgrass. The report is roughly 30 pages.
The True Cost of Agrofuels: Impacts on Food, Forests, People and Climate 2007.

This report is one of the most complete analysis of the multiple aspects of Agrofuels covering issues of soil, corporate control and consolidation, water, plantations and pulp mills, fertilizer usage, Genetic Engineering, transportation, and climate change. The conclusion fleshes out pathways and solutions to meeting the challenges for which agrofuels are a false solution.
Getting Real About Biofuels by Rainforest Action Network
Agrofuels: Towards a Reality Check in 9 Key Areas June, 2007.

Report brought to you by the Transnational Institute, which includes several European groups. The Report asks 9 key questions and explores them with 30 pages of quality material with many references and an international scope.
Biofuels: Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease September 12, 2007.

Report brought to you by the OECD and the Round Table on Sustainable Development, co-authored by Richard Doornbosch and Ronald Steenblik. The 50 Page Report is technical and does an excellent job looking into the economics and government policies on biofuels. The report looks at the current state of biofuels as well as its ultimate technical potential, complete with charts, graphs and references to other studies.
A Bridge to Somewhere?
By Tom Philpott, 15 Dec 2006

"If biofuels are used as a way to leverage conservation efforts, then we support them, with caveats; if they're a way to distract from conservation efforts, as currently seems the case, then we say the hell with 'em. Conserve!"