Are biofuels sustainable? - First report of session 2007–08 |
Jan 2008
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The inquiry ”Are biofuels sustainable?” has been launched on 25 July 2007 with the aim that the inquiry should:
• examine the role biofuels might play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel security;
• explore the wider economic, social and environmental impacts of biofuels;
• explore whether safeguards are in place to minimise any negative social and environmental impacts of biofuels; and
• review the policy arrangements for biofuels.
During the course of this inquiry several organisations have published reports raising concerns about the environmental impacts of transport biofuels and also the rationale for their use in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In response to these concerns the authors decided to focus on transport biofuels derived from agricultural commodities, rather than those derived from other sources such as waste. They have not therefore looked in great detail at other technologies, such as biomass, although they necessarily touch on these in places.
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