Title: Imports in the EU's renewable energy policy: environmental non-tariff barriers and developing country biodiesel

Authors: Alphanso Williams; William A. Kerr

Addresses: Department of Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada ' Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, College of Law, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Dr., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A6, Canada

Abstract: In response to the negative externalities associated with the intensification of biofuel production; the spike in food prices in 2008 and threats to biodiversity, the European Union revised it biofuels policy to reduce its negative impact on the environment and food security. It did not, however, revise its renewable fuels policy which mandates ambitious consumption targets. The framework used to mitigate the negative externalities of environmental degradation (GHG emissions) and food insecurity through the diversion of land used for food production into the production of biofuels crops is Directive 2009/28/EC. The revised policy applies to the production of biodiesel imports from developing countries. The restrictions on land use and the proof required will make it difficult for developing countries to produce biodiesel for the EU market. The paper outlines the EU requirements and the problems developing countries will face in supplying biodiesel to the EU.

Keywords: biodiesel imports; sustainable development; environmental impact; European Union; non-tariff barriers; sustainability; EU renewable energy policy; developing countries; biofuels policy; food security; land use; environmental degradation; GHG emissions; greenhouse gases.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2016.076361

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2016 Vol.15 No.2, pp.129 - 145

Accepted: 01 May 2015
Published online: 05 May 2016 *

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