EU considers minor expansion of corrupt biofuels scheme

Having compelled the use of biofuels in transport fuel the European Union is now having to deal with the consequences.

...overall, when land-use effects are taken into account, most varieties of biodiesel turn out to produce more emissions than bioethanol — and often more than fossil fuels.

The effect wipes out more than two-thirds of the carbon emissions that Europe’s renewable-energy policy was supposed to save by 2020, says David Laborde, a researcher at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington DC, which has produced influential reports for the European Commission.

In response the Commission has decided not to expand the biofuels mandate, but the EU Parliament is still wondering whether to increase it slightly.

Expanding a scheme that damages consumers and does little or nothing for the environment looks a lot like insanity. Much that goes on in the public sector does. But of course, once you understand that the biofuels mandate is driven by corruption, it all makes sense.

Comments

[Phillip Bratby]

Precisely as you say, and not just the biofuels industry. The climate change industry and the renewable energy industry are driven by greed and corruption.

[Roy]

Politicians like to be seen doing something for a noble cause. Therefore I will not be in the least surprised if the EU Parliament decides to expand the scheme. Why let facts get in the way of "saving the world" from climate change?

[Peter Stroud]

Just when one thinks things can't get more ridiculous with the EU, the EU comes up trumps. The trouble is, the UK politicians are equally as corrupt.

[Anoneumouse]

funded by the EU 6th Framework Programme

[Phillip Bratby]

Slightly OT, but the Met (the other one) is on the case of Trougher Yeo.
http://order-order.com/2013/07/01/exclusive-met-liaising-closely-with-parliament-over-tim-yeo/

[JerryM]

@ Phillip Bratby

Thanks for the link.

As an aside, any of The Team who are currently re-evaluating the term 'robust' might like to wander through the comments at Guido Fawkes' blog.

Gosh!

[Marion]

And talking of the corrupt biofuels scheme did we ever discover the identity of the 'Policy Entrepreneur' who was a prime mover in this appalling idiocy.

http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2012/2/20/the-entrepreneur.html

[jferguson]

... International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington DC, which has produced influential reports for the European Commission.

"... influential ..." Are they?