Biofuels Should Not Be Subjected to Double Jeopardy in Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulation

Strategic Insights -

Biofuels, which play a crucial role in reducing direct CO2 emissions from the transportation sector, should not be treated the same as fossil fuels under climate change legislation, according to Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). The organization has released a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) requesting an amendment to recently drafted cap-and-trade legislation to exclude biofuels from the emissions cap. Biofuels are already regulated under the Renewable Fuel Standard, which ensures substantial lifecycle greenhouse gas improvements compared to petroleum-based fuels. Imposing a double greenhouse gas emissions compliance obligation on biofuels would undermine their climate benefit.

Key Takeaways:

  • Biofuels are already regulated under the Renewable Fuel Standard to achieve substantial lifecycle greenhouse gas improvements compared to petroleum-based fuels.
  • The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has requested an amendment to cap-and-trade legislation to exclude biofuels from the emissions cap.
  • Biofuels can play a key role in reducing direct CO2 emissions from the transportation sector and should not be treated the same as fossil fuels under climate change legislation.
  • Imposing a double greenhouse gas emissions compliance obligation on biofuels would undermine their climate benefit.
  • Biofuels recycle atmospheric carbon, with some biomass production sequestering more carbon in the soil than is released into the atmosphere through biofuel combustion.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers, and related organizations are represented by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
  • The BIO International Convention is the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry.
  • The Advanced Biofuels & Climate Change Information Center presents the latest commentary and data on the environmental and other impacts of biofuel production.
  • 30+ nations are represented at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

Sources:

  • Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
  • Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)
  • NewsRx.com
  • Biotech Week
  • Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
  • Climate change legislation