27 November 2007 - The Green MEP for the South East of England has responded to the European Parliament Environment Committee vote today on EU legislation to address the climate impact and pollution caused by fuel. Dr Caroline Lucas MEP said:

“Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions caused by fuel across its life cycle, from the well to the tank, is a crucial step for the EU in reducing its overall emissions."

The Commission proposal aiming for a 10% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions caused by fuel was amended to introduce clear criteria for calculating the lifecycle emissions from fuel, as well as strict sustainability criteria for any agro-fuels used in meeting the target. Dr Lucas said:
 
"With road transport accounting for around 20% of EU CO2 emissions, urgent action is needed to mitigate its negative impact on the climate. Today’s vote seeks to ensure that the oil industry takes responsibility for reducing the damaging emissions generated by its product.
 
"Merely setting an emissions reduction target is not sufficient; this legislation must provide a real incentive for the oil industry to reduce the environmental damage it causes. To this end, the Committee has set out a clear lifecycle approach to emissions reductions, with criteria that must be taken account of.

Dr Lucas stated that the industry must achieve emissions reductions by improving its production processes, such as through reducing flaring and improving the efficiency of refineries. At the same time, she said, it should also discourage investment in dirty fuels, like non-conventional oil, such as tar sand or coal to liquid.
 
"By introducing strict sustainability criteria for agro-fuels, the Committee is hoping to make sure that any of these fuels that are used towards the achievement of the reductions target do not have major negative side affects. It is important to recognise the environmental and social problems caused by some agro-fuels - such as on food security, deforestation and soil degradation - and ensure that the EU does not rush blindly down this avenue.

“We are not content with the greenhouse gas calculation criteria for agro-fuels adopted by the Committee and hope that, when the legislation is voted in plenary, MEPs will support criteria that take all direct and indirect emissions into account. "

ENDS