Digital Commons Network^™

Frayed Seams In The "Patchwork Quilt" Of American Federalism: An Empirical Analysis Of Invasive Plant Species Regulation, A. Bryan Endres, James S.N. Mccubbins, Lauren D. Quinn, Jacob N. Barney

A. Bryan Endres

Increased demand for biomass feedstocks to meet renewable energy mandates will require development of newer, bigger and better plant resources. Ideal biomass traits–fast growth and ability to outcompete local vegetation, prolific seed production, adaptability to a variety of soil and climatic conditions, and resistance to pests and diseases–also typify invasive flora. Next-generation biofuel feedstocks may be more productive and profitable at the individual farm level, but also may pose a greater risk of becoming invasive, thereby damaging the broader ecosystem and the economy. Accordingly, the agronomist’s search for yield maximizing biofuel crops for deployment into novel agricultural production systems and …