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'Life-cycle analysis' sought for canola biodiesel

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn, chair of the Council's Regional Transit Committee, has introduced legislation calling for a full "life-cycle analysis" of the canola-based biodiesel fuel blend that is currently being used extensively by the King County Metro bus fleet.

"We need to determine if, in fact, our biofuel policies are worsening climate change and leading to higher food prices around the world," said Dunn. "We also need to see if county taxpayers are at additional financial risk because we are a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange."

Recent reports from global leaders and the scientific world are increasingly concluding that biofuels, such as corn ethanol, sugarcane ethanol, and biodiesel are leading to severe unintended consequences. Peer-reviewed science journals, and international organizations are now indicating that biofuels may actually do more damage to the environment than fossil fuels and contribute to world hunger. A full life-cycle analysis of the canola biodiesel will determine the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact generated throughout the entire development of the fuel. It examines the impacts from land-clearing, planting, harvesting, transportation, biodiesel conversion, blending, and usage of the fuel.

In addition to environmental impacts, Dunn is asking the county executive to establish recommendations for alternative climate change mitigation strategies that take into consideration the county's financial liability as a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange.


Please share your point of view on this story. Comments posted with full names will be considered for publication in the print edition. You may request that your name not be published.


Ballardog wrote on May 18, 2008 9:15 AM:

" Biodiesel from feedstock should be banned, period. All it takes is a google search of current events to learn how biofuels are the most destructive element in the environment today. Don't let your political ideals interfere with rationalality on this one. Biofuels are destroying the biodiversity of the planet. "

Miguel Francisco wrote on May 16, 2008 1:04 PM:

" I am sure that you are going to do the same analysis of oil's impact on the environment. I mean look at all the work and energy that went into the Alaska pipeline. And all the maintenance. Are we getting our btu's back on that one? And Alaska is just one pipeline. What about all the oil platforms in the Gulf and North Sea? Has anyone done an analysis on all the energy and materials expended? What about all the drilling that goes on in the oil patch? How many dry holes before they hit? You want to scrutinize bio fuels? Well, it's time we scrutinized all the energy that goes into oil production.

"

bob wrote on May 14, 2008 12:18 PM:

" Do some research on the practices of the Regional Transit Committee...You will realize that Reagan Dunn is engaging in the classic practice of Fear mongering (or scaremongering).

To make all aware of what Fear mongering (or scaremongering) means, here is the definition: The use of fear to leverage the opinions and actions of others towards some end. The object of fear is exaggerated; those the fear is directed toward are kept aware of it on a constant basis. "

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