REA supports EC’s report on ILUC
In the European Commission’s report on indirect land use change (ILUC) relating to biofuels and bioliquids, the Commision recognises that GHG emissions savings with regards to biofuels are in fact reduced by ILUC.
However the Commission also points out that there are uncertainties with the existing models for the impact of biomass on agricultural markets. According to the report, it is now to conduct an impact assessment. In doing so to Commission is taking into account potential modifications to the existing regulation.
‘The potential effects of indirect land use need to be properly weighed in our biofuels policy,’ said energy commissioner Günther Oettinger. ‘It is in our interest to investigate this seriously and ensure to have a legislation that avoids negative side effects.’
The impact assessment is expected before July 2011.
The REA welcomes the European Commission’s report.
‘The commission is taking a wise course and not rushing to take decisions on how to manage the indirect land use effects of the production of biofuels,’ said Clare Wenner, the REA’s head of renewable transport.
‘…land use change is a function of global agriculture and it would be wrong to ascribe all indirect land use change effects to biofuels. Nevertheless it is important that biofuels deliver the greenhouse gas reduction benefits that are claimed,’ she continued. ‘The advances on sustainability rules for biofuels should be an example for all agriculture.’
However the Commission also points out that there are uncertainties with the existing models for the impact of biomass on agricultural markets. According to the report, it is now to conduct an impact assessment. In doing so to Commission is taking into account potential modifications to the existing regulation.
‘The potential effects of indirect land use need to be properly weighed in our biofuels policy,’ said energy commissioner Günther Oettinger. ‘It is in our interest to investigate this seriously and ensure to have a legislation that avoids negative side effects.’
The impact assessment is expected before July 2011.
The REA welcomes the European Commission’s report.
‘The commission is taking a wise course and not rushing to take decisions on how to manage the indirect land use effects of the production of biofuels,’ said Clare Wenner, the REA’s head of renewable transport.
‘…land use change is a function of global agriculture and it would be wrong to ascribe all indirect land use change effects to biofuels. Nevertheless it is important that biofuels deliver the greenhouse gas reduction benefits that are claimed,’ she continued. ‘The advances on sustainability rules for biofuels should be an example for all agriculture.’
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