Utah Tries Turning Roadsides into Biofuel

Hoping to someday produce fuel to power its entire fleet of diesel-powered vehicles, the Utah Dept. of Transportation has started an experimental program of planting oil-producing crops -- canola, safflower and flax -- along the state's highways and roads. In a story reported by Deseret News, Utah transportation officials hope the roadside crops will someday yield up to 2 million gallons of biodiesel fuel a year.

Biodiesel is just one of the emerging "biofuels" derived from agricultural crops. While they do provide a glimmer of hope for the U.S. to lessen its dependence on foreign oil, biofuels come with environmental pros and cons. For example, could biofuels actually require more energy to produce than they generate? According to Environmental Issues Guide Larry West, the jury is still out.

Also See:
The Pros and Cons of Biofuels (Environment)
President Bush’s National Energy Policy
Oil and Gas Development Regulations Eased