Research study shows biodiesel greener than ethanol

Ethanol plant
The VeraSun ethanol plant in Brookings, S.D.
MPR Photo/Mark Steil

A University of Minnesota study shows that ethanol may not dramatically change the nation's dependence on foreign oil, and it may not be as friendly to the environment as some supporters have claimed. The study will be published Wednesday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Richard Hemmingsen, director of the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment at the University of Minnesota, who helped fund the research study.

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