The benefits anticipated from mandated use of biofuels include
energy security and environmental improvement. Biotechnology
Industry Organization (BIO) The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
signed into law in December 2007 as part of the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) created aggressive
mandates for the production and use of advanced and cellulosic
biofuels. The benefits anticipated from mandated use of biofuels
include energy security through domestic production of
transportation fuel and environmental improvement through the
reduction of greenhouse gas and other particulate emissions
associated with fuel combustion. Additional benefits include
creating new markets for agricultural products, keeping
productive farm land in use, and improving trade balances.
Through the first 12 months of the program (July 2010 - June
2011), however, no cellulosic biofuel production was registered
for sale and use under the RFS. The shortfall has led to
skepticism of the commercial viability of the technology