EU diplomats agree to 7% biofuels cap

EU ambassadors agreed to a 7% cap on biofuels made from food crops in transport fuel, in a move environmentalists said was a “timid step” in the right direction.

The target for advanced biofuels, which include fuels from agricultural waste and residues, was set at 0.5% for transport fuel, however it is non-binding. Member states can also lower their target as long as they as they offer an explanation.

This was the main change to the previous text proposed by the Lithuanian EU presidency, which member states rejected in December 2013.

ESO: Background information: EU governments fail to agree limits on food-based biofuels http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-governments-fail-to-agree-limits-on-food-based-biofuels/

ESO: Background information: Indirect land use change (ILUC) and biofuels in the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/indirect-land-use-change-iluc-and-biofuels-in-the-eu/

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