12/09/2006
- Hon David Parker - Associate Transport Minister
Judith Tizard and Climate Change Minister David
Parker today released a discussion document outlining
a proposed sales obligation for biofuels, as part
of the government's response to climate change.
The proposal would require oil
companies to sell a minimum percentage of biofuels
in transport fuels, beginning with 0.25% of sales
in 2008, and rising to 2.25% by 2012, Judith Tizard
said.
“Diversifying into renewable
transport fuels will reduce our dependence on
imported oil. Using biofuels will also reduce
vehicle emissions, greenhouse gas emissions and
improve air quality.”
Although imported biofuels could
be used, there is enough domestic feedstock from
within the agricultural sector to produce the
amount of biofuels needed to meet the minimum
obligation.
Energy and Climate Change Minister
David Parker said biofuels would move New Zealand
towards a more sustainable energy future, as well
as providing significant climate change benefits.
"If the proposed sales
obligation is met, we will not need to account
for over a million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
under the Kyoto Protocol, due to the replacement
of fossil fuels by biofuels. This represents more
than $16 million that would be saved by the Government
in respect of its Kyoto Protocol commitments in
the first commitment period (2008-2012) alone."
Mr Parker said the minimum was
the starting point.
"Once the legislative framework
and infrastructure is in place, we can expect
biofuels to make up a greater proportion of our
transport fuel than these mandated minimum levels."
The discussion document and
reports on the supply, distribution, vehicle compliance,
and economics of bringing biofuels to the market
in New Zealand are available at www.transport.govt.nz/biofuels-sales-obligation-discussion-document/
or from the Ministry of Transport. Submissions
close on 20 October.
Trans Pacific trading partners
talk environment
Media release: 11 September 2006
Officials from Brunei, Chile,
Singapore and New Zealand will meet tomorrow for
the first time under the Trans-Pacific free trade
agreement to identify areas of environmental concern
and exchange ideas for improvement.
The four countries signed this
Environment Cooperation Agreement in July 2005
as part of the Trans-Pacific (P4) trade agreement.
The Ministry for the Environment
is hosting this week’s meeting in Wellington which
will include talks about co-operation on environmental
matters, and sharing environmental knowledge and
skills.
Ministry for the Environment
Chief Executive, Hugh Logan sees this inaugural
meeting as a valuable opportunity to work with
Pacific neighbours on environmental matters important
to all New Zealanders.
“Maintaining high standards
for environment protection is important in its
own right and a key part of economic prosperity,”
Hugh Logan said.
‘This meeting enables New Zealand
to identify areas where we can benefit from the
environmental experience of our trade partners
and also offer our expertise.”
Topics to be covered include
environmental impact assessments, sustainable
tourism, wastewater and air quality issues.
Following the meeting, officials
will travel to Rotorua where they will meet with
Environment Bay of Plenty staff to discuss regional
resource management. The visit to Rotorua will
also provide the group with an opportunity to
gain a feeling for New Zealand’s natural environment.
