Projected changes in stream system nitrogen runoff associated with a mature cellulosic ethanol industry in the southeastern United States

- The impact of the renewable fuel standard on land use and water quality is analyzed.
- The distribution of facilities converting switchgrass to ethanol was determined.
- Land area in low-valued crops were converted first to meet feedstock demand.
- Applied nitrogen (N) on land decreased between 0.4% and 1.75%, depending on the policy target.
- N loading into the water system decreased, but aggregate changes were not different from the baseline.