A Comparative Analysis of the Political Ecology of America's Biofuel Industry

The world of biofuels is quite complex. Methane is the particular focus of this study, examining its numerous sources and variability of application and scale will give a broad spectrum of the challenges faced in the biofuel industry today. This research will investigate how the “all-of-the above” policy approach to the biofuel industry in America as shaped our landscape. A comparative analysis of the political ecology of LMOP (Landfill Methane Outreach Program) enacted by our EPA demonstrates how we can expect industry development trends to follow beneficial policy and regulatory incentives. Also, an identification of scalar discrepancy, within one type of application, can be induced from geographic examples. This study will show how not all biofuels are created equally and that the highest efficiency for biofuel plants is at small scale implementation. If we want to curb our dependence on fossil fuels, it is best to weigh the options thoroughly and not risk further environmental damage by lumping all biofuel policy into one program.