Britain says to slow introduction of biofuels

The British government said on Monday it would slow the introduction of biofuels to address concerns that switching the use of land could exacerbate climate change and push up food prices.

The government accepted the conclusions of a report it commissioned from Ed Gallagher, chair of the Renewable Fuels Agency, which called for a more cautious approach until more evidence was available.
“The Gallagher report … concludes that the introduction of biofuels should be slowed until policies are in place to direct biofuel production onto marginal or idle land, and that these are demonstrated to be effective,” Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly told parliament.

“In short, the report concludes that the government should amend but not abandon its biofuel policy,” she added. “I agree with these key findings.”

Reuters