Development of renewable energy sources is gaining momentum, spurred by rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, pressures for oil independence, and Federal energy policy. Deriving bioenergy from plant materials is among the fastest growing renewable energy technologies. For transportation fuel, corn-based ethanol is by far the largest source of bioenergy in the United States at this time, followed by biodiesel (made from vegetable oils or fats). ERS analyzes and projects the impacts of bioenergy development on commodity supply and demand, farm earnings and expenses, and retail food prices.
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