ABSTRACT
The refining, transport and combustion of biofuels can result in significant environmental costs, particularly on local water and air quality. Generally, however, these effects pale in comparison to those generated by the use of fossil fuels, where the main detrimental environmental effects originate from the vehicle exhaust pipe (tailpipe). Even so, these impacts could expand considerably as biofuel production increases to meet rapidly rising global demand. Here, too, more sustainable practices and new technologies offer the potential for environmental improvements.
