As the scope of the search for alternatives to petroleum-based fuels widens, biofuels from agricultural waste products, grasses, and other sources have become increasingly attractive options. This study, conducted and published by the National Research Council of the National Academies, reports on biofuels production and consumption in 2010 and projections through 2022. It also addresses the potential environmental harm and benefits from biofuels production and the obstacles to meeting federal consumption mandates. The study yielded a number of findings. Among the key findings: without major technological policy changes, the mandated consumption of ethanol-equivalent cellulosic biofuels probably will not be met by 2022. Another notes that only in an economic environment high oil prices, technological innovations, and a high implied or actual carbon price would biofuels be cost-competitive with petroleum-based fuels. And yet another states that existing policy may be ineffective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions because the effect of biofuels on those emissions depend on how they are produced and what land use or land cover changes occur as a result of their production. The report would interest a variety of readers, from policy makers to those concerned about sustainable energy policy and practice. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)