Bioenergy

EDM number 550 in 2006-07, proposed by David Howarth on 19/12/2006.

That this House recognises the important role bioenergy can play in tackling the overriding 21st century challenge of climate change while encouraging energy security and increasing opportunities for farmers and rural communities; notes the central part played by bioenergy in the Tyndall Centre's Living with a Carbon Budget report, which describes the possible route to a low carbon economy; regrets that bioenergy represents less than 1.4 per cent. of the total UK energy supply; is nevertheless alarmed by the environmental threat posed by the production for bioenergy of palm oil, sugar cane and soya in South East Asia and South America the expansion of which is leading to a destruction of tropical forests and other highly prized ecosystems, such as the Cerrado in Brazil; urges the Government to introduce as a matter of urgency a carbon and sustainability assurance scheme that reflects the impact of bioenergy throughout its life-cycle; further urges the European Union to follow suit in developing Europe-wide assurance schemes; and calls on the Government to encourage a sustainable bioenergy sector through the introduction of a carbon balance requirement in the initial phase of the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation.

This motion has been signed by a total of 42 MPs.