Implications of Bioeconomy-Based Fuel Production for Transportation Infrastructure in Iowa

The bioeconomy-based energy production strategy utilizes outputs of the bioeconomy (i.e., farm products) to produce fuel. This strategy is aimed at reduction of dependence on nonrenewable sources of energy. On the basis of the abundance of agricultural outputs, replacing imported energy with biomass is a logical choice for Iowa. It will not only help address its domestic energy needs but also reduce the rising costs of maintaining access to distant markets and supply lines. The move to bioeconomy-based fuel sources has several consequences for transport infrastructure, particularly the local road systems, because of the role that these roads play in the production and distribution of fuels. Further, changing the fuel sources from a petroleum basis to a bioeconomy basis will change the magnitude of truck shipments required to transport raw materials and fuels. A simple approach to estimate these changes in truck shipments is provided, and their impacts on Iowa's secondary road system are discussed.