Prairie Public Broadcasting

Scientist says corn ethanol is a transition step BISMARCK, ND (NDPR) - The director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California says ethanol is a transition step in the development of biofuels.

Dr. Steve Chu says the next generation is to use waste materials or grasses -- and not turn it into ethanol, but make it into its own gasoline or diesel-type fuel. Chu says making diesel from biofuels is actually superior to gasoline or regular diesel.

"We've learned to make diesel trucks and cars that obey the highest and strictest air pollution standards in the country, namely California's," said Chu. "The old, clunky diesels from the '60s and '70s, and what you see in trucks are no longer apllicable."

Chu says this development of biofuels is still a few years off. But he says once it does develop -- that will end the debate over "food-versus-fuel" that you have with corn ethanol.

"Also, its energy inputs are far less than growing corn, which is an energy-intensive crop," said Chu.

Chu spoke to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture meeting in Bismarck. © Copyright 2009, NDPR