Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest | World Resources Institute
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Working Paper
Rethinking Biofuels in the US Midwest
This paper discusses the environmental, economic and social impacts of first-generation biofuels in the Midwest. It analyzes how policies promoting corn- and soy-based biofuels—often funded by taxpayers—contribute to land use change, rising greenhouse gas emissions, water degradation and unequal economic benefits. With interest in using biofuels for aviation increasing, this research urges policymakers to re-evaluate the role of biofuels in future climate and agricultural policy and to explore more sustainable, equitable alternatives for Midwestern communities and ecosystems.
DOI
Topic
Climate
June 10, 2025
32
Pages
This Working Paper is part of
U.S. People-Centered Transitions
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U.S. Climate
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This Working Paper is part of
U.S. People-Centered Transitions
and
U.S. Climate
within
Climate
. Reach out to
an Initiative Expert
for more information.
Authors
Haley Leslie-Bole,
Carla Walker
Angela Isabella Scafidi
, Ben Hosansky and
Caroline Melo Ribeiro
License
Creative Commons
Over the past two decades, policies promoting first-generation biofuels have significantly reshaped the Midwest’s landscape, economy and agricultural systems. Today, 30–40% of U.S. corn is used to produce biofuels that contribute just 6% of national transportation energy, highlighting a disproportionate use of land and resources for limited energy output. While these policies have offered economic benefits to some, they have caused major environmental, social and economic trade-offs for communities in the Midwest and beyond.
This analysis examines the consequences of expanding first-generation biofuels in the Midwest and urges reconsideration of the role of these fuels in the Midwest’s future. These fuels, today largely derived from edible crops such as corn and soy, drive land use change, increase global greenhouse gas emissions and could contribute to global food insecurity. They also contribute to water pollution, water stress and habitat loss. As the impacts of climate change worsen and potential demand for crop-based aviation fuels grows, these issues could intensify.
The environmental burdens are accompanied by socioeconomic impacts. Benefits from biofuels production are concentrated among a small group of stakeholders, while marginalized farmers and small-scale farmers likely benefit least.
This report synthesizes literature and expert perspectives to inform policy decisions about the future of biofuels. It concludes that increased production and subsidization of first-generation biofuels in the future would likely undermine long-term climate resilience and equity in Midwestern agriculture. Policymakers, farmers and community leaders are urged to re-evaluate the role of these fuels and consider alternative strategies that prioritize clean water, food security and inclusive economic opportunity. Future policies could unlock better outcomes by incentivizing climate-smart farming, advanced biofuels made from agricultural residues, and clean energy investments.
With aviation fuels ushering in a potential new wave of biofuels policies, the U.S. is at a critical point where policymakers can re-examine the impact of the past decade of first-generation biofuels subsidies and chart a path forward for the Midwest. This paper offers a roadmap for research and recommends energy and agriculture policies that serve both people and the planet more effectively.
Key Findings:
Increased production of fuel made from corn and soy would raise global emissions by increasing demand for agricultural inputs and displacing crops grown for food.
The benefits of biofuel production remain concentrated among a small fraction of midwesterners, while the costs are borne by consumers, taxpayers and other industries.
Increasing production of biofuels can also increase food prices and exacerbate food price volatility.
First-generation biofuels make midwestern communities less resilient to climate change effects, such as water stress, and amplify existing environmental and public health challenges, such as water quality degradation.
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