Upper Midwestern USA Ethanol Potential from Cellulosic Materials

There is substantial interest in alternative fuels and vehicles for the transportation sector. One readily available alternative is grain ethanol with U. S. production largely based on corn. Since this supply-constrained crop has significant environmental costs, shifting toward ethanol based on cellulosic materials may be beneficial. We assess the technical potential for cellulosic ethanol using the upper Midwest states of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin as a regional example. Policies that will facilitate the planting and harvesting of forestry and agricultural residues and switchgrass are discussed.