PCE, 2010
Some biofuels are better than others: Thinking strategically about biofuels
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is an independent Officer of Parliament. Her role allows a unique opportunity to provide Members of Parliament with independent advice in their consideration of matters that may impact on the quality of the environment. As part of that work, the Commissioner made two submissions on legislation – on the Biofuel Bill in 2008 and the Sustainable Biofuel Bill in 2009. While supportive of the good intentions behind both pieces of legislation, the Commissioner raised concerns regarding unintended consequences of the sales obligation and the difficulties of implementing sustainability principles. This work raised questions about the wider context of the role of biofuels in New Zealand. How might biofuels lessen dependence on fossil fuels? Can they reduce greenhouse gas emissions? What can New Zealand realistically achieve with biofuels, and what has to be done to make that happen?
