General Session Presentations

The 2009 Annual Meeting General Session featured two speakers who presented their own insights on biofuels. Kenneth Cassman, Director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research, focused his remarks on the potential of biofuels to provide a significant and viable source of renewable energy, arguing in particular that critics of corn ethanol rely on outdated values for life-cycle analyses. Nevertheless, Cassman said, the real key to ethanol viability lies in closing the "yield gap" and reducing carbon footprint. Cassman was followed by Mike Scheible, Deputy Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board. Scheible detailed California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which calls for reduced dependence on petroleum and an increased use of renewable sources such as biofuels derived from waste matter and cellulosic matter. The California standard, according to Scheible, provides a framework for transitioning to low-carbon fuels and a model for national standards. The California model also encourages innovation and sets the stage for future reductions in high-carbon fuels. Following their presentations, Scheible and Cassman took questions and graciously remained on hand after the session ended to speak with meeting attendees.

View the presentations:

Kenneth Cassman

Mike Scheible