Biofuels: A Cure or a Curse? Implications of Increased Production and Consumption in Mexico and the United States

Abstract

The aim of this article is to detect economic, social, political, and environmental implications of encouraging the use of biofuels in Mexico and the United States. It will explore negative aspects that derive from promoting the production and use of biofuels in both countries. It also will identify which corporate interests and values sustain arguments for the use of industrial large‐scale biofuels in both countries. Moreover, it will identify what mandates, laws, initiatives, and government policies have been created in both countries encouraging the use of this fuel. Finally, this report will shed light on the actions that would be needed to comply with those government policies and what consequences they may have on local communities, as well as on the environment.

Between Water Abundance and Scarcity: Discourses, Biofuels, and Power in Piura, Peru

“…Isabel Quispe, Professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, personal communication, 25 October 2012. See Valle () for an analysis of biofuel‐promoting policies in Mexico and the United States, and their scarce concern for environmental impacts. In the Chira Valley, ethanol companies initially discharged wastewater directly into the canals of the hydraulic system, damaged other tenants lands, etc.…”