Driving the Sustainable Fuel Market: European Commission Launches Biofuels Public Consultation
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on "biofuel issues in the new legislation on the promotion of renewable energy", addressing issues such as how to achieve a 10% biofuel share and how to ensure environmental sustainability. The consultation follows upon the recently adopted Energy Policy for Europe. This included a proposal for a binding 20% target for the overall share of renewable energy by 2020 and a binding 10% target for the share of biofuels in transport. The consultation is aimed at helping the Commission draft proposals on incorporating these targets into legislation.
Commissioner Piebalgs said "Biofuels play a key role in improving security of supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transport, while offering new sources of income to people dependent on agriculture, both in the EU and in developing countries. However, these advantages should not be offset by environmental damage through inappropriate land use or outdated production processes. That is why I am glad to announce this consultation exercise, which will help us design a simple and practical sustainability scheme."
The Commission is looking for the views of public authorities, businesses, non-governmental organisations and other interested parties on four questions:
- How should a biofuel sustainability system be designed?
- How should overall effects on land use be monitored?
- How should the use of second-generation biofuels be encouraged?
- What further action is needed to make it possible to achieve a 10% biofuel share?
The consultation will remain open until 4 June 2007 and can be accessed at http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/consultation/biofuels_en.htm.
Bron : EU press Room