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MPs demand halt to biofuel policies

02/05/2008

Increased pressure has been placed on the government today to stop pursuing policies aimed at increasing the use of biofuels.

The environmental audit committee says it has "significant concerns" that the government has not agreed to its calls for a suspension of such policies.

These calls were made in a report in January, to which the government made a number of responses.

These included the claim that halting biofuels policies would be unfair on those who had invested in biofuels on the basis of these policies.

In its report on the issue today, the committee says this worry is outweighed by fears about the potential harm that could arise if the development of biofuels continues without the necessary safeguards.

The report adds that the government's arguments are insufficient to dismiss the case for a moratorium and disagrees with the claim that targets for biofuels have been set at an appropriately cautious level.

On April 15th the renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) came into force, ensuring that 2.5 per cent of fuel sales is made up of biofuels.

This will rise to five per cent of all UK fuel sold on forecourts by 2010.

Campaigners have raised serious concerns with the RTFO, arguing that biofuels could damage the planet and remove resources to absorb carbon in the atmosphere.

Last month the government announced that it would review its approach to biofuels and seek to ensure it takes a more "selective" approach to biofuel support.

The environmental audit committee welcomed this review and said it is pleased ministers have recognised that there is a role for biofuels providing they are cost-effective and sustainable.

But its report today added: "We reiterate our case for a moratorium on policies aimed at increasing the use of biofuels and urge the government to resist attempts to increase EU biofuel targets.

"The review of biofuels announced by the government is important, and it would be a mistake to press ahead in the absence of the information needed to inform effective decision making."