Lowers Overall Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The agriculture residues used to make cellulose ethanol also contain lignin - a material that can be burned to generate power to run the cellulose ethanol facility. Because of this ability to produce both fuel and energy, the US Department of Energy life-cycle analysis states that ethanol from cellulose reduces greenhouse gases by 90% compared to gasoline.

The Canadian government estimates that, "If 35 % of gasoline in Canada contained ten percent ethanol, GHG emissions would be reduced by 1.8 megatonnes per year (1.8 million tonnes), which is the equivalent of removing more than 400,000 vehicles from the road."

Reduces Reliance on Imported Oil and Increases Energy Security

Dependence on fossil fuel imports is a concern shared by many countries, prompting expanded production and use of domestically produced renewable fuels. In 2004, 64% of oil consumption in the US was imported. Europe also relies heavily on imported fossil fuels.

Renewable fuels such as cellulose ethanol represent a reliable domestic source of energy and generate economic and environmental benefits.

Blending ethanol with gasoline extends the fuel supply, reduces the amount of oil needed by hundreds of thousands of barrels each day, and lowers overall fuel cost.

Helps Build Rural Economies

Cellulose ethanol biorefineries will strengthen local economies by creating thousands of jobs, while making agriculture a more sustainable industry. Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Energy/Department of Agriculture state that there is enough biomass feedstock for cellulose ethanol production in the U.S. to displace approximately 40% of current U.S. gasoline consumption.