Surveys energy consumption in the United States and explores the possibility of increasing the amount of energy obtained from biomass conversion (biologically produced energy). Economic and environmental concerns of biomass conversion processes are discussed. (CP)

Several alternatives to long-range fuel production are given. The carbon dioxide problem resulting from the burning of coal is discussed. Emphasis is given to the topic of hydrocarbon producing plants, such as those in the genus Euphorbia, and the economics of oil production from them. (SA)

Described are the economic and agricultural issues surrounding the cultivation of desert plants, principally the jojoba, as a source of fuel. The article examines the environmental impacts of an industry based on arid-region cultivation of such plants. (RE)