Renewable Fuel Standard

The bio-based economy is far more than just bio-fuels. It is also about replacing the oil-based chemicals and materials in cars, shoes or electronic goods, with chemicals and materials derived from renewable biomass

Roots of mighty oaks push up through New Orleans sidewalks while trees in the metropolis often tower above nearby buildings. Nearly half of Louisiana, in fact, is covered with forests, and the southern U.S. as a whole is considered the nation's wood basket.

The corn-producing states are used to special treatment from the federal government. Now, EPA's proposed ruling threatens to shut them out of future biofuels markets.