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Biofuels are fuels which are made from organic products, or living organisms. All biofuels must obtain at least eighty percent of renewable resources to be considered a biofuel. There are two main types of biofuel, bioethanol and biodiesel.

Bioethanol is a type of alcohol which is made by fermenting the sugar in plants. Sugar and starch crops are the main use of this fuel. This fuel, known as ethanol, is used for vehicles in its pure form, but added to gasoline to help with the emissions of the vehicle.

Biodiesel, the other main type of biofuel is made from vegetable oils and animal fats. This fuel can also be used as fuel when in its wholesome form, but is known most for its use as a diesel additive. When used as a diesel additive it helps reduce amounts of carbon monoxide, and particulates.

Although biofuels seem to be beneficial to both the economy and environment, there are cons consulting this fuel as there are pros.
One positive effect resulting from the use of biofuels is the decreasing dependence we have on the depleting fossil fuels. Another positive is the ability for this fuel to replace your existing source of energy such as gasoline for your vehicle, or your home heating, without any alterations.
One main negative when discussing biofuels is the energy required to produce the fuels compared to the energy the fuel itself can produce. Oppose to regular liquid fuel, biofuel consumes more energy to be produced than the energy it can emit. Although biofuels do not produce enough carbon dioxide to add to the greenhouse gas effect, the nitrous oxide produced from burning materials for this fuel can cause a greenhouse gas effect.

Either way we go, whether it’s our current liquid fuels, or the newly produce biofuels; there are still many concerns, pros and cons about the effects both of these fuels have on the economy and the environment.


Refrences:

Pros and Cons of Biofuel(N.D) retrieved April 18, 2010 from Buzzle.com website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-biofuel.html

Rutherford, M. (June 12, 2009) Biofuels Pros and Cons retrieved April 18, 2010 from Biofuelwatch website: http://www.biofuelswatch.com/biofuels-pros-and-cons/

Biofuel (last modified: April 17, 2010) in Wikipedia, retrieved April 18, 2010 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuel