Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues

The production of more efficient algae energy sources has raised many ethical concerns due to some algal biofuel companies, such as Algenol and Synthetic Genomics, whom of which are genetically engineering algae to be utilized for biofuel production. The production of such altered algae is ultimately done to increase biomass or oil productivity as well as minimize survival or reproduction following release. Nonetheless, despite these potential improvements it is assumed that genetically modified algae could include possible threats to the health and ecology of the environment if escaping cultivation. These hazards include possible toxin production [leading to poisoning of the environment], algal blooms [overgrowths of algae within water which are able to destroy fragile environments], as well as possible species replacement resulting in loss of algal biodiversity. However, until more research is done on algal energy and its effect on the environment, it is unbeknownst of the actual aftermath of genetically modified algae on marine ecosystems. (IS12)

Legal Issues

Social Issues

There are several environmental laws present within the United States that may prevent the production of algae including: (IS20) (IS21) (IS22)

Algae is a nonexpendable source in which a great deal of energy is derived from. Nonetheless, currently the global usage of algae for energy is unrealistic. This is due to the challenge presented within algae production in which it must accelerate its domestication process to the point where it can play a meaningful role in the global carbon cycle as well as energy economy within the next decade. Though this may occur in developed countries, with impoverished nations the expensive demands that are needed for large scale production of algae is implausible. However, in developed countries such as America and Canada algae can also be utilized for food as well as cosmetic products that aid with increasing the longevity of the people. (IS23)

Renewable Fuel Standard→

The Renewable Fuel Standard is a law which requires transportation of fuel sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. (IS13)

Clean Air Act →

The Clean Air Act regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. (IS14)

Clean Water Act →

Establishes basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulates standards for water. (IS16)

Plant Protection Act →

Prevents any sort of importation, exportation, and spread of pests injurious to plants, and to provide for their control and eradication and for the certification of plants. (IS17)

National Environmental Policy Act →

A law that requires for proper consideration of the environment prior to partaking to any action that may affect the environment. (IS18)

Endangered Species Act→

Provides protection for various endangered or threatened species and the environment in which they thrive. (IS19)

These acts present hurdles for those attempting to allow for the usage of algae as a energy source.

Toxic Substances Control Act→

The Toxic Substances Control Act requires the reporting, record-keeping, testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. Certain substances are generally excluded from TSCA, including food, drugs, cosmetics, and pesticides. (IS15)