The European Parliament will begin its fall session soon, and the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is calling on the members to vote against any changes to the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). GRFA says the proposed changes are based on unproven theories and will restrict the biofuel industry’s critical access to transportation fuel markets, negatively impacting the economy and environment.

The GRFA and its largest members sent a joint letter to Parliamentarians outlining how the proposed changes to the Directive will severely hamper the tremendous economic and environmental potential that comes with developing the biofuels industry.

The RED in its current form is ground-breaking legislation that is being used to shape future biofuels policies in the European Union and around the world. It helps establish crucial investor confidence, says GRFA, that plays a major role in the development of the European biofuels industry. In addition, the Directive includes requirements that guarantee that only biofuels produced in a sustainable manner are part of the European Union energy mix and will help bring advanced biofuels to full commercialization.

The GRFA supports the sustainable development of biofuels and encourages the development of science-based research that advances the industry and continuously improves the GHG footprint of our fuels. In its letter, the GRFA criticizes proposals to impose criteria such as Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) on biofuels and warned Members about voting in favor of changes based on unproven theories and flawed scientific work.

“Although the RED is a European mandate, it is a model for programs around the world and will have a significant impact on the future of the global biofuels industry,” said Baker. “The proposed amendments before Parliamentarians are extremely short sighted and would only serve to increase Europe’s reliance on crude oil and increase GHG emissions,”

“Hurting a growing biofuels industry that employs millions and contributes billions is reckless when the economy is struggling to recover,” concluded Baker.