Tariffs are vital-chief

Apr 15 2008 by jez Davison, Evening Gazette

A LEADING biofuels chief has urged the Government to back an EU lobby to reverse the impact of damaging US subsidies.

Sean Sutcliffe, chief executive of the Biofuels Corporation, said it was vital that the Government lent support to the European Biodiesel Board’s proposals to introduce import tariffs that would reduce the amount of US-produced biofuel coming to Europe.

The proposals, which will be submitted to the European Commission during the next few weeks, are an attempt to incentivise local biofuel producers and put Europe on a level playing field with the US.

Mr Sutcliffe said: “There is strong evidence that US subsidies have caused UK investment in biofuels to be cut back. Biofuels can be produced in a sustainable manner and without the need for deforestation, but we need a fair environment.”