Beyond the RFS

The document uses integrated agricultural and biophysical simulation models to assess the effects of increased grain ethanol production on the U.S. economy and environment. While the analysis indicates potential benefits for net greenhouse gas emissions, farm income, and government agricultural support, it concludes that there are significant soil and water quality implications that require attention.

• The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, requires the U.S. to produce 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually by 2012, though market trends indicate production may surpass this target.
• Increasing corn production for ethanol may offer benefits regarding farm income, reduced government agricultural support, and net greenhouse gas emissions, but it also creates risks for soil and water quality.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Beyond the RFS. https://www.wri.org/research/beyond-rfs

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Beyond the RFS. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/beyond-rfs.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Beyond the RFS |url=https://www.wri.org/research/beyond-rfs |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendbeyond, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Beyond the RFS}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/beyond-rfs}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }