The Biofuels Association of Australia (BAA) has congratulated all sides of the Australian parliament for working together to ensure the passage of the four Alternative Fuels Bills, allowing for alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel to play a growing role in Australia’s transition towards low emission fuels and domestic energy security. BAA says this recognises that locally produced, environmentally sustainable and economically viable transport fuels will be necessary in order to meet fuel demands in the future.

Release from BAA 21 June 2011:

The Biofuels Association of Australia has congratulated all sides of the Australian parliament for working together to ensure the passage of the four Alternative Fuels Bills.

“This legislation brings about the certainty for industry which has been absent for some time” said Heather Brodie, CEO of the BAA.  “The bipartisan support for the passage of the biofuels bills is welcomed and results in assurance for legislation which was first announced back in 2004”.

“Reflecting extensive negotiations with stakeholders, the Greens, the Coalition and crossbench MPs alike, this legislation will ensure that alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel play a growing role in Australia’s transition towards low emission fuels and domestic energy security.

The legislation sees the current taxation arrangements for ethanol and biodiesel continue for the next ten years with a review of the grant arrangements after 30 June 2021.  The Government will also consider the emissions of alternative fuels as part of its consideration of fuel under a carbon price.

“Importantly as well the legislation reflects the Government’s support of the BAA’s plans to introduce sustainability certification processes for the industry” said Ms Brodie.  “Establishing sustainability criteria for biofuels will provide reassurance for users of alternative fuels that the biofuels they purchase will continue to be produced using sustainable practices which do not contribute to food security concerns or result in other adverse impacts”. 

Through both self-regulatory mechanisms and a more formal process with Standards Australia and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) the industry believes that this work will provide the most robust and practical sustainability criteria, consistent with international standards, which ensures consumer confidence in the biofuels industry.

“We need to recognise that locally produced, environmentally sustainable and economically viable transport fuels will be necessary in order to meet fuel demands in the future” Ms Brodie said.

The Biofuels Association of Australia Incorporated is the peak industry body representing ethanol and biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers, technology providers, independent and major oil companies, equipment manufacturers, mining and construction companies and others.

The Alternative Fuels Summit will be held in Brisbane, Australia from 29 – 31 August this year.

Source: www.biofuelsassociation.com.au