Canada to study biofuel's environmental impact

The Canadian government has ordered a study of the environmental impact of making ethanol and biodiesel just as a government regulation mandating fuel blending is set to take effect.

The study, ordered on Wednesday, comes after evidence of harmful environmental effects from ethanol plants and amid growing criticism of biofuel technology, according to a government document from the environment ministry, Environment Canada.
“Experiences in the U.S. and Brazil now suggest that existing biofuels production facilities are responsible for the generation of a range of new air- and water-related problems as well as recent concerns over human health,” the document states.

The study will help government scientists understand the environmental implications of making biofuel, it states.

Canada has invested heavily in the biofuel industry as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has committed to distributing subsidies for biofuel plants totaling up to C$1.5 billion ($1.45 billion) over nine years.

Reuters