Land use change theory stirs controversy

Illinois AgriNews
Monday, May 18, 2009 By Nat Williams
natw@mail.com (618) 932-3041

WASHINGTON — The latest buzz phrase catching the attention — and the ire — of ethanol advocates is indirect land use change, or ILUC.

Traces of that theory, first promulgated by scientists in 2004 and brought to the forefront of government policy by the state of California, is included in the latest budget proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Ethanol proponents are expressing concerns about a new rule that targets not only gasoline, but also corn-based ethanol.

Read the full story