Gasoline substitutes need more research

WASHINGTON, March 8 (UPI) -- More research is needed but the ability to use bacteria to convert plant material to gasoline substitutes may help ease U.S. energy dependence, officials say.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's BioEnergy Science Center led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found a way to use bacteria to convert plant material directly into the gasoline substitute isobutanol.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the technology is a "perfect example" of how a new agricultural industry can develop out of emerging energy technology.

"But we must continue with an aggressive research and development effort," he said in a statement.

Scientists at the Oak Ridge laboratory in Tennessee said isobutanol can be blended with gasoline at any ratio and could find its way into current engines without modification.

"America's oil dependence -- which leaves hardworking families at the mercy of global oil markets -- won't be solved overnight," said Chu. "But the remarkable advance of science and biotechnology in the past decade puts us on the precipice of a revolution in biofuels."

Critics complain using biofuels pushes food prices higher. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said ethanol was subsidized to the point that around 30 percent of the nation's corn supply is winding up in the gas tanks of consumers.