Ministers block EU proposal to limit some biofuels

Several European ministers are blocking the EU’s proposal to curb the use of conventional biofuels, while some dispute claims the demand for crop-based oils drives deforestation and food insecurity in other parts of the world.

A majority of EU environment ministers expressed concern over the European Commission’s proposed 5% cap on the inclusion of so-called first-generation biofuels in member states’ renewable energy targets, despite evidence that the fuel can have a worse impact on carbon emissions than conventionally extracted oil.

ESO: Background Information: MEMO: Preparation Environment Council, 21 March 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-preparation-environment-council-21-march-2013/

ESO: Background Information: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-directive-of-the-european-parliament-and-of-the-council-amending-directive-98-70-ec-relating-to-the-quality-of-petrol-and-diesel-fuels-and-amending-directive-2009-28-ec-on-the-promotion/

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