21st January 2008
MPs call on EU to ditch biofuel targets
The cross-party group of MPs set up to oversee environmental policy is today claiming that the EU's targets for replacing conventional fuels with biofuels are actually harmful.
In a new report, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) says that biofuels are both expensive and ineffective at reducing greenhouse gases.
The EAC argues that the EU, along with the UK government, is "misguided" when they direct biofuel to road transport uses. In particular, the group argues that policymakers should concentrate on solely sustainable biofuel sources, such as recycled vegetable oils from the catering industry.
Concerns have been raised about deforestation, the cost in air miles and many other aspects of the current explosion in the international biofuel trade. EAC Chair Tim Yeo said: "At present most biofuels have a detrimental effect on the environment overall."
This week, the EU announces details of a large-scale climate change strategy, which includes a target of 10% of all road traffic to be powered by biofuels by 2020.
Without significant further detail, say the MPs, this could raise food prices and threaten food supplies for the poor. Organisations including the RSPB and the Royal Society have backed the EAC report.
In a new report, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) says that biofuels are both expensive and ineffective at reducing greenhouse gases.
The EAC argues that the EU, along with the UK government, is "misguided" when they direct biofuel to road transport uses. In particular, the group argues that policymakers should concentrate on solely sustainable biofuel sources, such as recycled vegetable oils from the catering industry.
Concerns have been raised about deforestation, the cost in air miles and many other aspects of the current explosion in the international biofuel trade. EAC Chair Tim Yeo said: "At present most biofuels have a detrimental effect on the environment overall."
This week, the EU announces details of a large-scale climate change strategy, which includes a target of 10% of all road traffic to be powered by biofuels by 2020.
Without significant further detail, say the MPs, this could raise food prices and threaten food supplies for the poor. Organisations including the RSPB and the Royal Society have backed the EAC report.
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