Scientists warn against pushing giant reed as bioenergy feedstock

In Washington, more than 200 scientists sent a letter last month to the EPA, DOE and USDA asking them not to promote the use of Giant Reed, Arundo donax, because of its invasiveness as a species. Several trials are taking place across the country to use the plant as a coal replacement or as feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production, but other states have been trying to eradicate the plant for decades, like California who has spent more than $70 million trying to get rid of it.

Tags: DOE, EPA, USDA, Washington

Category: Research