BIO-POWER FUELS

Early day motion 1689, tabled 11 October 2004 by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 57 members.

That this House notes the need to encourage the use of bio-fuels as a means to address the environment threats of global warming and climate change and that the use of used cooking oil is important in the establishment of a viable bio-fuels industry in the UK; expresses its regret that when the animal feed ban becomes effective most of this valuable resource is likely to be exported to other EU coun tries; further notes with concern that the Environment Agency has not made sufficient use of its discretionary powers in regulating the activities of bio-fuel makers with respect to the Waste Management Regulations, particularly towards members of Bio-Power (UK) and that this will hinder its development; calls on the Environment Agency immediately to withdraw any enforcement action and threats of enforcement action against Bio-Power members and instead work with Bio-Power to develop a risk based regulatory regime for the processing of used cooking oil into a bio-fuel that meets any legitimate concerns of environment protection with the lightest regulatory touch; and calls for a comprehensive review of the waste regulations and the application to ensure that they meet their goal of protecting the environment without undermining sustainable development.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 23, Labour 13, Conservative 6, Plaid Cymru 4, DUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 2, Independent 1.