A Green Party bill that sets up a standards regime for
biofuels sold in New Zealand passed its first reading in
Parliament tonight with the Government's support.
Jeanette Fitzsimons drafted the member's bill and said it
would rule out biofuels produced from food crops and those
that were made in ways that destroyed animal habitats.
"The idea that it's okay to feed good human food like grains
into motorcars while people are starving shows what happens
when you pursue a single-minded goal and exclude all other
considerations," she said.
"When it comes to competition between the fuel tanks of the
wealthy and the mouths of the hungry, it's obvious who is
going to win."
The bill does not distinguish between imported and locally
produced biofuel.
Both have to meet the sustainability standards which meant
foreign farmers would not be subsidised by having their
products sold in New Zealand, Ms Fitzsimons said.
Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee said standards were needed
although they would affect a very small part of the fuel
industry.
He said the bill would allow New Zealand producers to put a
stamp on their products confirming they were produced from
sustainable sources.
It has been sent to the environment select committee and the
aim is to have the regime in place by the beginning of next
year.
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