Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest

This research paper analyzes the environmental, economic, and social consequences of first-generation biofuels derived from corn and soy in the US Midwest, arguing that their continued subsidization undermines climate resilience and equity.

• First-generation biofuels in the US Midwest utilize a disproportionate amount of resources relative to their energy contribution, with 30–40% of U.S. corn used for biofuels that provide only 6% of national transportation energy.
• The expansion of biofuels based on edible crops like corn and soy leads to land use change, increased global greenhouse gas emissions, and potential global food insecurity, while also causing water pollution, water stress, and habitat loss.
• Economic benefits from biofuel production are concentrated among a small group of stakeholders, whereas marginalized and small-scale farmers benefit the least, and costs are borne by taxpayers, consumers, and other industries.
• Increased production of first-generation biofuels can raise food prices, increase food price volatility, and make Midwestern communities less resilient to climate change effects and public health challenges like water quality degradation.
• The paper recommends that policymakers shift away from first-generation biofuels toward alternatives such as climate-smart farming, clean energy investments, and advanced biofuels produced from agricultural residues.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest. https://www.wri.org/research/rethinking-biofuels-us-midwest

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/rethinking-biofuels-us-midwest.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest |url=https://www.wri.org/research/rethinking-biofuels-us-midwest |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendrethinking, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/rethinking-biofuels-us-midwest}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }