Science Union Asks EPA to Address Food-vs-Fuel Debate

In the USA, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt a more judicious implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) policy framework to reduce the competition between food and fuel.

The science group's call came in relation to the EPA 's proposal for so-called "advanced" food-based biofuels such as biodiesel and sugarcane ethanol to make up for any shortfall in cellulosic biofuels target as part of the RFS mandate. Cellulosic biofuels, also known as second generation biofuels, are produced from non-food sources such as grasses, wood chips and waste materials.

The UCS made its recommendation in its comments submitted to the EPA on the agency's proposed biofuel mandate volumes for 2013. The union argues that the RFS should promote renewable fuels that do not put additional pressure on food supplies. The union is concerned that any expansion of mandates for food-based biofuels will push food prices and may lead to accelerated land exploitation and deforestation. While the development of cellulosic biofuels has been slower than anticipated, UCS maintains that cellulosic biofuels still offer the best alternative to reduce dependence on petroleum oil without disrupting the food supply.