For Biofuels, This Firm Looks Beyond Corn

Biofuels made from something other than corn are beginning to look more and more promising to energy strategists and investors.

One big reason is that corn prices have risen sharply because of the grain's use in making ethanol, a fuel that's viewed by its supporters as a potentially broad replacement for the world's current petroleum-based options.

As a result of this price increase, the ethanol industry has come under increasing political pressure from adversarial lobbies who represent corn interests. And it's forcing companies to consider other means for producing alternative fuels. ...