It is the concern that we will be unprepared for the future overconsumption of resources that is driving us to find alternatives such as renewable energy. Unfortunately there have been a number of slowups in this progressive arena. Technological advances, while highly regarded as the saving grace of any future calamity, are being stumbled over. Biomass fuel production is not a foreign idea to humans, even the new innovations such as using biodiesel and lignin residue to produce substantial amounts of energy, are on their way to becoming household terms. If subpar technology is slowing the takeoff of biofuels, it is only due to society's demand for a fuel that is higher quality, more efficient cleaner burning, and less expensive than the highly subsidized, intensely researched fossil fuels consumed today.
Petroleum products are the single highest subsidized commodities by the United States' government.
Without these extreme subsidies, gas and oil prices would skyrocket. Political and economic regimes controlling the market are the most accountable obstacles in the arena of renewable energy. In many countries, biomass energy is becoming a substantial secondary energy source. The technology exists already to expand biomass energy production far above current levels. Popular support for renewable energy exists, as well, Perhaps the next stepping stone would appear if government subsidies were shifted from fossil fuels to renewables.