Care Is Needed In Biomass Crop Selection to Protect Biodiversity – Report Warns

The National Wildlife Federation this week issued a new report warning about the dangers of developing and using invasive plant crops for advanced biofuels and bioenergy. The report notes that invasive species are already harming native ecosystems and biological diversity and that they can be very expensive to control and eradicate.

On April 4, the National Wildlife Federation released the report Growing Risk: Addressing the Invasive Potential of Bioenergy Feedstocks . The report opens as follows:

Without question, America needs to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. As we move forward with our energy choices, we must be mindful of how short term economic decisions can come with unintended consequences and high long-term costs to society and the environment. Bioenergy is one homegrown source of renewable energy that could help meet some of our energy needs. However, in order to create a truly clean energy future, bioenergy must be produced in a way that has long-term economic viability, helps address climate change, and protects and enhances native habitats and ecosystems.