An influential European Parliament committee cut its target for crop-based biofuels amid fears that they cause more harm than good. The move, which prompted criticism from biofuel producers, came in response to growing concerns that grain-derived fuels drive up food prices and may contribute to climate change more than fossil-based fuels. The Parliament’s industry committee upheld a European Commission goal of converting 10 percent of road vehicle fuel to renewable sources by 2020. But, the committee specified, at least 4 percent must come from renewable electricity, hydrogen, or waste biofuel — capping virgin crop-based biofuels at 6 percent. The panel also adopted an interim goal: 5 percent renewable road fuel by 2015. And it directed that biofuels must cut carbon emissions by 45 percent compared to fossil fuels. The committee also endorsed the EU’s goal of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020.
European Lawmakers Cut BackKey Goal for Crop-Based Biofuels
More From E360
-
Energy
Why U.S. Geothermal May Advance, Despite Political Headwinds
-
Food & Agriculture
In War Zones, a Race to Save Key Seeds Needed to Feed the World
-
Climate
Lightning Strikes the Arctic: What Will It Mean for the Far North?
-
RIVERS
A Win for Farmers and Tribes Brings New Hope to the Klamath
-
Solutions
Deconstructing Buildings: The Quest for New Life for Old Wood
-
NATURAL DEFENSES
How Restored Wetlands Can Protect Europe from Russian Invasion
-
Solutions
Birds vs. Wind Turbines: New Research Aims to Prevent Deaths
-
FORESTS
Cambodian Forest Defenders at Risk for Exposing Illegal Logging
-
OPINION
The ‘Green’ Aviation Fuel That Would Increase Carbon Emissions
-
CONSERVATION
Out of the Wild: How A.I. Is Transforming Conservation Science
-
Energy
China’s Mega Dam Project Poses Big Risks for Asia’s Grand Canyon
-
Solutions
How Natural Solutions Can Help Islands Survive Sea Level Rise