The Higher Cost of Biofuels

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A new study found that there is a higher health cost associated with corn-based biofuels than with traditional energy forms. The researchers "found the total environmental and health costs of gasoline are about 71 cents (50p) per gallon, while an equivalent amount of corn-ethanol fuel has associated costs of 72 cents to $1.45, depending on how it is produced." The health concerns include "increased cases of heart disease, respiratory symptoms, asthma, chronic bronchitis or premature death." There is also concern that using a food crop for fuel will continue to drive up the cost of foodstuffs, affecting everyone, but especially the most vulnerable populations. There is evidence that the costs associated with the next generation of biofuels could be much lower. Those products may be produced from organic waste or plants that are grown on non-agricultural land.