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ARS Home » Plains Area » Brookings, South Dakota » Integrated Cropping Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #201122
Title: Renewable Energy - Growing Opportunities in our Backyard

Author
item Rosentrater, Kurt

Submitted to: Brookings Register
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/4/2006
Publication Date: 9/6/2006
Citation: Rosentrater, K.A. 2006. Renewable Energy - Growing Opportunities in our Backyard. Brookings Register, Brookings, South Dakota, 9/6/2006, pp. B6, B8.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Economic growth requires energy. Historically the United States has met this demand for energy by utilizing nonrenewable fossil fuels. Economic and environmental concerns at local, regional, and international levels are shifting attention to cleaner alternatives which are sustainable and renewable. Moreover, bio-based fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are expected to help offset increasing petroleum needs as China and India continue their rapid economic expansions and demand more oil for transportation fuels. With these developments, we should be aware of our present energy base. Therefore, the objective of this article is to examine the current status of renewable energy sources in relation to traditional energy supplies. These trends, and their implications, are critical as we move into the 21st Century.