Biofuels vs. Food: Op-Ed Writers Gone Wild

The Opinion section of today's New York Times features a bit by Paul Krugman that comes across less as a piece on the world food crisis (his stated topic) than as a slightly veiled attack against biofuels. You can read it at: Krugman Grains Gone Wild

A response to Grains Gone Wild was in order. I'm tired of naysayers (well intended or not) whining about the challenges of solutions to petrol dependence, ready to write off any opportunity just because it may not be an easy answer or an easy fix. It's akin to burying your head in the sand. The status quo approach of sucking up petroleum fuels without any alternative or ANY reduction in consumption is tired and played out. Biofuels aren't THE solution, they're a part of the solution - a solution that is desperately needed. Yes, biofuels make sense if produced and used sustainably - let's focus our attention on calling for policies that support that approach (i.e. Energy Bill 2007 was an okay first step.) My 'letter to the editor' that probably won't get published is below...

In “Grains Gone Wild” (4/7/08) Paul Krugman writes a useful Op-Ed in his direct and brief approach on the world food crisis, except in his overly simplified statements against biofuels. Krugman cites a recent Time Magazine article which was based on studies of hypothetical effects of land use changes from production of biofuels at rates of production not supported by the U.S. Congress or anyone I’ve come across in the alternative fuels arena. The studies considered in the Time article are important for advancing the dialogue on biofuels, but should not be taken as reason to throw biofuels under the bus. Biofuels should be produced and used responsibly; they should be a part of the equation to slow climate change and reduce dependence on petroleum as the sole transportation fuel source. Mr. Krugman, while attempting to discredit biofuels, completely avoids mentioning the need to reduce fuel consumption (whether petroleum based or biofuels) or other ways individuals can work to address the food crisis – like buying local, in-season foods and reducing meat consumption. I commend Mr. Krugman for raising the food crisis issue, but have to question his focus on biofuels as scapegoat.