A U.S. ambassador is proposing a novel approach to helping Afghanistan -- since opium crops are rampant, why not find a way to turn poppies into biofuel?
ASLA's blog writes, "There would be multiple benefits to this approach - less illegal drugs, less money for narco-terrorism, less financial support for the Taliban, and reduced CO2 emissions. Given Afghanistan's energy needs are growing with increased economic development, Afghanistan will need to produce its own energy or import more expensive options. Grossman thinks the U.S. and NATO forces in the country could be the first potential customers of the poppy biodiesel if it proves to work."
FULL STORY: Can Afghanistan's Poppies Be Converted into Biofuel?
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research