Adding Biofuels to the Invasive Species Fire?

摘要

Biofuel crops, particularly using non-native species, must be introduced with an understanding of possible risks to the environment. The U.S. renewable energy initiative announced in the 2006 presidential State of the Union address has given new impetus to the identification of biofuel crops as sources of energy. However, an earlier presidential directive, Executive Order 13112 , attempts to protect the United States from invasive species, unless benefits clearly outweigh potential harms. The policies may conflict because traits deemed ideal in a bioen-ergy crop are also commonly found among invasive species (see figure).