"Biofuels produced by the saccharification of lignocellulosic(LC) feedstocks and fermentation of the resulting sugars have the potential to replace petroleum on a much larger scale than possible with grain-based ethanol. To do so, biotechnology must improve 1) the yields and sustainability of the new perennial lignocellulosic crops; 2) efficiency of saccharification; and 3) efficiency of fermentation. Some see economic opportunity, energy security and the environmental benefit of carbon-neutral fuels. Others see an environment threat, reduced biodiversity, decreased water availability, more use of transgenic and exotic organisms, higher food prices and more of the country in productive agriculture or silviculture. This session aims to provide a balanced overview and review appropriate policy."

Objective1:Educate on the environmental benefits and costs of largescale LC biofuel production.

Objective2:Outline the economic potential and barriers to realizing a large-scale LC biofuel industry.

Objective3:Discuss balanced policy needs for realizing a large-scale LC biofuel industry while benefiting and not harming the environment and rural communities.