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Policy Ahead of Science in Land Use Debate

Posted: December 29, 2008 at 09:14 AM CST

Indirect land use change (ILUC) appears to be picking up steam as a critical issue impacting the ethanol industry. EPM Staff Writer Susanne Retka Schill recently provided me (and this week’s podcast listeners: http://www.ethanolproducer.com/podcast/) with input on the topic. The Renewable Fuels Association is also playing an active role, providing the industry’s input to the California Air Resources Board. Read more about it in the RFA Update section of the February magazine.

ILUC doesn’t appear to be something the industry can avoid. Therefore, the primary concern deals with precedent. CARB’s methodology, modeling and data could impact federal decisions on potential ILUC impacts created by the expansion in biofuels production needed to meet future rounds of the Renewable Fuels Standard program. The RFA submitted comments to CARB, raising concerns over its findings as it attempts to model greenhouse gas emissions from ILUC as part of the development of a statewide Low Carbon Fuels Standard. In addition, the RFA released analysis on the debate, and biofuels role in it: http://www.ethanolrfa.org/objects/documents/2041/final_land_use_1110_w_execsumm.pdf

Sue summed up the industry’s concerns quite well: “The policy is ahead of the science.” While future carbon-based policies can certainly help the ethanol industry, the potential is there for harm. Stakeholders need to remain on top of the issue during its formative stages.

“Accurately accounting for land use changes, both domestically and internationally, is critically important,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “While we applaud CARB’s efforts to develop a policy framework that significantly reduces the carbon intensity of our transportation fuels, it is imperative that the policy is based on sound science and unassailable modeling.”

-Dave Nilles