Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest

The research finds that first-generation biofuels in the US Midwest result in a disproportionate use of land and resources, with 30–40% of U.S. corn producing only 6% of national transportation energy. The document argues that these fuels drive land use change, increase global greenhouse gas emissions, and cause water degradation, while economic benefits remain concentrated among a small group of stakeholders. It warns that expanding these fuels for aviation could intensify these burdens and undermine long-term climate resilience and equity in Midwestern agriculture.

• First-generation biofuels in the US Midwest exhibit a significant imbalance between resource input and energy output, with 30–40% of U.S. corn used for biofuels that provide only 6% of national transportation energy.
• The expansion of corn- and soy-based biofuels increases global greenhouse gas emissions by raising the demand for agricultural inputs and displacing food crops.
• Biofuel production creates unequal economic outcomes where benefits are concentrated among a small group of stakeholders, while costs are borne by taxpayers, consumers, and other industries, with small-scale and marginalized farmers benefiting the least.
• The production of first-generation biofuels negatively impacts food security by increasing food prices and exacerbating price volatility.
• First-generation biofuels reduce the climate resilience of Midwestern communities by amplifying public health challenges and environmental issues, specifically water quality degradation and water stress.

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} }