The European Commission has just given official endorsement to the EC draft directive on energy from renewable sources.  AGPB, AGPM and CGB have expressed satisfaction with the confirmation of the target of 20% renewable energy in Europe by 2020, which will require the use of biomass to produce heat, electricity and fuel.
 
AGPB, AGPM and CGB have expressed approval, in particular, of the proposal by the Commission for a compulsory minimum of 10% biofuel by 2020, considering that the level is realistic and that the regulatory framework anticipated is reasonable, and specifically for the criteria for the environmental sustainability of biofuels.  In the light of agricultural and industrial data reported to date, it should be possible for France to meet the requirement of a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for all biofuels.
 
The European Commission’s position on the biofuel issue is in stark contrast with the recent about-turn by public authorities in France.  It can be noted that when running for election, Sarkozy, the candidate, had wanted to have all taxes taken off biofuels;  now the tax on them has just been increased and flexfuel vehicles are not granted any credit under the “ecological bonus” system, even though they are environmentally friendly.
 
AGPB, AGPM and CGB are appealing to the public authorities in France to redirect the actions they are taking on global warming so as to give proper and serious consideration to the urgency of the situation and the interests of the general public, as has been done by European authorities.
  
Contacts :   AGPB - Pascal HURBAULT, tél 01 44 31 16 25
                   AGPM - Sophie MARQUIS, tél 01 44 31 10 92
                   CGB - Carine ABECASSIS, tél 01 44 69 41 36