GRFA: Commit to biofuels policies to achieve COP21 targets

On June 13, Bliss Baker, the President of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance, called on parties to the climate agreement reached at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to take immediate action to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector and incorporate increased biofuels blending as part of their national plans. Of the 195 parties that adopted the agreement in Paris, 177 have now demonstrated their commitment by officially signing the agreement.

Baker noted that the transportation sector produces an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and that low-carbon transport fuel alternatives to crude oil like ethanol and biodiesel are a cost-effective and immediately available option for countries to adopt.

“The GRFA is encouraged by the support for strong action to address climate change coming out of COP21,” he said. “But if we are to have any hope of meeting the ambitious targets laid out in that agreement, substantial action is going to have to be taken soon. Biofuels represent a significant step in the right direction that governments can take today.”

Of the 162 intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) submitted to date, more than 60 recognized the advantages of biofuels-supportive policies by including them in their carbon emission reduction plans.

Baker pointed out that in addition to the parties to the agreement at COP21, third-party groups like the B Team coalition of chief executives and the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition have expressed their support for strong public emissions reduction policies that will provide the predictability necessary for the private sector to be able to develop long-term plans.

“Introducing biofuels supportive policies to reduce emissions from the transportation sector in the short and medium term just makes sense,” Baker said. “The biofuels industry will have a significant role to play in international efforts to transition away from carbon-intensive fossil fuels in the transport sector, and the GRFA looks forward to working with governments to develop policies to achieve those goals.”