KEETCH TABLES MOTION ON BIO-POWER

12.29.49pm GMT Tue 12th Oct 2004

MP for Hereford Paul Keetch has tabled an Early Day Motion on the use of bio-power as an alternative form of energy.

"I am a firm supporter of renewable energy sources and I believe that the use of bio-fuels is an ideal way to address the environmental threats of global warming." Mr Keetch said

"I do hope that the Early Day Motion attracts the support it deserves. The Government needs to act immediately to prevent the alarming increase in climate change."

Ends

Notes to the Editior

Full Text of EDM 1689

That this House notes the need to encourage the use of bio-fuels as a means to address the environmental threats of Global Warming and Climate Change; 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 that most of this valuable resource is likely to be exported to other EU countries; 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 to immediately 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 environmental protection with the lightest possible regulatory touch; and calls for a comprehensive review of the waste regulations and their application to ensure that they meet their goal of protecting the environment without undermining sustainable development.