John J. Fialka

In the following viewpoint John J. Fialka explains that fibers from sugar cane and household garbage can be used to produce fuel for automobiles. The nation’s growing mountains of garbage have encouraged commercial ventures to develop ways to use the refuse to make gasoline alternatives. In addition, strict environmental restrictions on the burning of fossil fuels have made renewable and clean-burning energy from biomass an attractive energy alternative. John J. Fialka is a staff reporter for the Wall Street Journal.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is bagasse, according to Fialka"
2. According to Fialka, what percentage of the nation’s energy is currently derived from biomass"
3. What have the enzymes from jungle rot been used for, according to the author"

Does it pay to turn garbage...