News Forum Archives: January 2008
Analysis: Banning “Bad” Biofuels, Becoming Better Consumers
By Raya Widenoja and Brian Halweil
Worldwatch Institute
January 23, 2008
Casual observers might consider it a setback for proponents of ethanol and biodiesel now that Europe is planning to ban biofuels made from crops grown on high-value conservation lands. But the truth is, shunning biofuels produced on wetlands, grasslands, and deforested land is good for both critics and supporters. Overall, it’s even good for the biofuel industry because it might restore some faith in their product, which has been attacked from all corners in recent months. The main problem with Europe’s new law, in fact, may be that it is not stringent enough.
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Europe May Ban Imports of Some Biofuel Crops
By James Kanter
The New York Times
January 14, 2008
PARIS — In a sign of shifting attitudes toward biofuels, officials of the European Union are proposing to ban imports of certain fuel crops whose production could do more harm than good in fighting climate change, according to a draft law seen Monday.
The proposals, to be unveiled next week, are aimed at enhancing the environmental credentials of biofuels like biodiesel or ethanol to counter concerns that European drivers are playing a role in destroying wetlands, forests and grasslands in areas like Southeast Asia or Latin America each time they fill up their tanks.
Continue Reading Europe May Ban Imports of Some Biofuel Crops