Report says we should be cautious about the use of biofuels

THE Government has announced a proposal to slow down the UK's use of biofuels following a report into their effect on the environment, biodiversity and fuel prices.

On July 7 the Renewable Fuels Agency, an independent regulator, published its biofuels review, led by agency chairman Professor Ed Gallagher.

The review found current policies could reduce biodiversity and cause more greenhouse gas emissions.

It also warns increasing demand for biofuels, made from materials such as plants, leads to rising prices for some foods.

The Gallagher review says production should use land not already growing food and make more use of waste materials.

Professor Gallagher said: "Our review makes clear the risks of negative impacts from biofuels are real and significant, but it also lays out a path for a truly sustainable industry in the future."

Under the Government's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, which came into force last year, the amount of biofuel supplied at pumps will increase by 1.25 per cent per year to five per cent by 2010 and 2011.

The review proposes the annual target should be reduced to 0.5 per cent per year.

It also recommends a target above five per cent should only be introduced after 2013 if the fuels are shown to be sustainable.

Government officials will now consult on slowing down the biofuel increase to five per cent by 2013 and 2014, but will continue to back the EU's target of 10 per cent by 2020.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "I agree with Professor Gallagher we should take a precautionary approach over the next few years, until we are clearer about their wider effects on the environment.

"Our policy should be based on the best possible science and as the evidence evolves, so too should our policy evolve with it."

But conservation director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Dr Mark Avery says biofuel uptake should be slowed further.

He said: "If it is not, the destruction of rainforest and grasslands will continue to enable biofuel production. And with that will come huge carbon emissions and widespread losses of wildlife."

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