Public Interest Research Centre - PIRC

The EAC's most recent publication, available today from their website has some interesting, and quite critical things to say, about the government's commitment to biofuels.

It's worth keeping an eye on the Environmental Audit Committee's homepage.  They regularly produce interesting reports on topical environmental issues, and a quick scan through some of the things they've been taking a look at - post-Kyoto frameworks for reducing emissions, reducing carbon emissions from UK business, personal carbon allowances, a general appraisal of the voluntary carbon offset market  - throws up a lot of useful reading material. 

The EAC's most recent publication, available today from their website has some interesting, and quite critical things to say, about the government's commitment to biofuels. A couple of the take-home points -

"biofuels are unlikely to improve fuel security as they largely rely on fossil fuels for their production;"

And 

"a large biofuel industry based on current technology is likely to increase food prices and could damage food security in developing countries." 

We reckon biofuels on any large scale - as a substantial way of addressing emissions from transport - are not worth the time, effort and repercussions. The EAC seem to agree: "biofuels are generally an expensive and ineffective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions when compared to other policies. Emissions from road transport can be cut cost-effectively, and with lower environmental risk, by implementing a range of other policies."

Britain currently has a target for 5% biofuels in petrol and diesel by 2010, through its Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), which is due to kick in later this spring.

I wonder if other chunks of Government are listening to the EAC...