I read this as yet more soil erosion and degradation, and yet more anhydrous production and use, with the net effect of turning a natural and complex system (soils) into an artificial and simple process for human benefit. I've gone so far as to suggest that these are major concerns to a big Iowa energy company that is investigating biomass and other means to reduce gases and pollutants from coal. Leland Searles Air Quality Program Director Iowa Environmental Council 521 E. Locust St., Suite 220 Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-244-1194 ext. 204 www.iaenvironment.org www.facebook.com/Iowa.Environmental.Council <http://www.facebook.com/Iowa.Environmental.Council> About the Iowa Environmental Council: The Iowa Environmental Council actively works in public policy to provide a safe, healthy environment for all Iowans. We focus on public education and coalition building to give Iowans a voice on issues that affect their quality of life. For more information contact the Iowa Environmental Council or visit www.iaenvironment.org. Please do not print this email unless it is absolutely necessary. Spread environmental awareness. From: Iowa Discussion, Alerts and Announcements [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Donna Buell Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 2:29 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: biomass, corn stover, and the new wave of synthetic biology Interesting discussion of the future of biomass -- be sure to listen to the audio discussion... see below. Donna Begin forwarded message: From: Bruce Hamilton <[log in to unmask]> Date: December 6, 2010 12:47:20 PM CST To: Carl Pope <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask] Subject: Interesting interview on biomass, corn stover, and the new wave of synthetic biology that poses risk to biodiversity with GM microbes to break down cellulose It's bio-massive Ethanol is dead; all hail plant-based synthetic gasoline! [PODCAST] <http://lists.grist.org/t?r=2&c=6812&l=16&ctl=55376:D4D98398E7AB8ACD1F56 A082FFB26D7F&> In Tom Philpott's latest podcast, he talks to Jim Thomas of ETC Group, his go-to source for cutting-edge information on the machinations of global agribusiness. Thomas blew Philpott's mind on the topic of ethanol and the "new biomass economy." Listen to the interview. <http://lists.grist.org/t?r=2&c=6812&l=16&ctl=55376:D4D98398E7AB8ACD1F56 A082FFB26D7F&> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/