** Sustainability News: EU Biofuels Target**

** Sustainability News**

**EU Biofuels Target**

In September, the European Parliament’s Industry and Energy Committee has voted in favour of a report calling for a 5% share of renewables in transport fuel by 2015 and a 10% target by 2020. The Commission’s original proposal set the 2020 target at 20%. MEPs are suggesting moving away from agro-fuels in favour of "non-food and feed-competing" second-generation biofuels or from cars running on green electricity and hydrogen.

Besides traditional first-generation biofuels (from crops such as sugar, rapeseed or corn) should meet strict sustainability criteria, including: i) respect for local communities land rights, ii) fair remuneration of all workers, and iii) an initial 45% carbon emission savings compared to fossil fuels – to be raised to 60% in 2015. MEPs are also calling for a full review of the EU biofuel promotion policy and its social and environmental impacts before 2015.

These biofuel targets, CO2 saving targets and proposals for review are strongly opposed by both biofuel producers and the European Commission, who argue it will result in uncertainty and deter investments in the sector. Vote in Parliament plenary is due in early October and member states are expected to agree on a common position by the end of the year.

Contributing editor : L. Carmichael

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