News Release: National Academies releases reports on biofuels and water quality, Mississippi River water quality

October 16, 2007 - Two McKnight-funded reports address current and future policy issues around water quality, biofuels, and government responsibilities.

Mississippi River Water Quality and the Clean Water Act. On Tuesday, October 16, the National Research Council of the National Academies (advisers to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine) released this report, citing the Environmental Protection Agency's failure to use its authority to protect the waters of the Mississippi River.

Water Implications of Biofuels Production in the United States. On Wednesday, October 10, the National Academies released this report, which concludes that the recent increases in corn acreage nationally have increased water pollution in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The likelihood of further harm to water quality is considerable if corn is the ethanol feedstock; new and different crops are recommended due to water impacts.

Tim Hanrahan, McKnight Communications Director, 612-333-4220