German parliament backs biofuel blending
The German parliament’s upper house has vetoed government proposals to cut its biofuels blending target this year and further raise taxes on biofuels.
The upper house, which represents the federal arm of the governments, has refused to accept a plan to cut the 2009 blending target to 5.25% biofuel content in fossil fuel from 6.25% originally intended.
As members of the EU, the government are expected to ensure that oil companies blend biofuels with fossil fuels at oil refineries as part of efforts to combat global warming.
Should the proposals of passed it would’ve not only damaged investment in German biofuels but also have reduced Germany's capability to cut carbon dioxide emissions and damage a valuable market for agricultural products.
However, over the last year several European countries including Germany have scaled back biofuel blending plans partly on concern that increased biofuel output was causing rising food prices.
‘We greatly welcome the decision as the blending market is critical for the future of the industry,’ said Frank Bruehning, spokesman for the German Biofuels Industry Association.
The upper house, which represents the federal arm of the governments, has refused to accept a plan to cut the 2009 blending target to 5.25% biofuel content in fossil fuel from 6.25% originally intended.
As members of the EU, the government are expected to ensure that oil companies blend biofuels with fossil fuels at oil refineries as part of efforts to combat global warming.
Should the proposals of passed it would’ve not only damaged investment in German biofuels but also have reduced Germany's capability to cut carbon dioxide emissions and damage a valuable market for agricultural products.
However, over the last year several European countries including Germany have scaled back biofuel blending plans partly on concern that increased biofuel output was causing rising food prices.
‘We greatly welcome the decision as the blending market is critical for the future of the industry,’ said Frank Bruehning, spokesman for the German Biofuels Industry Association.
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