BioFuels Journal

Canadian House of Commons Passes Renewable Fuel Standard

Ottawa, Ontario—In a milestone decision today, the House of Commons overwhelmingly passed a bill that will implement a national Renewable Fuel Standard, requiring ethanol and biodiesel blended transportation fuels in Canada.

It is the first legislation of its kind in Canada.

"Today, the House of Commons voted to grow beyond oil.

Thanks to this vote, we will lower greenhouse gas emissions, provide new opportunities for Canadian farmers, and bring about competition at the pump.

With oil and gas prices at record highs, the case for viable alternatives to petroleum has never been stronger." - Gordon Quaiattini, President, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association "GM Canada welcomes the new Canadian legislative support for renewable biofuels that provide significant GHG reduction benefits.

GM offers consumers the largest selection of flexible fuel vehicles that can operate seamlessly on 85% ethanol blends (E85) or regular gasoline."

- David Paterson, Vice President Corporate and Environmental Affairs, General Motors of Canada Ltd

"Natural Resources Canada's GHGenius lifecycle model finds that the renewable fuel standard as outlined in Bill C-33 will result in a 4.2 megatonne reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions - the equivalent of removing over one million cars and their CO2 emissions from Canadian roads, every year."

- Don O'Connor, President, S&T squared Consultants, and developer of the GHGenius LCA model

"Passage of the biofuels bill and the Renewable Fuel Standard in Canada is a critical development for next generation biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.

This vote represents a vote for next generation biofuels.

The House today has shown leadership in passing this bill."

- Jeff Passmore, Executive Vice President, Iogen Corporation

"This legislation will help ensure the development of a Canadian biofuels sector which will provide strong environmental benefits and creates a valuable market for us."

- Ross Ravelli, President, Grain Growers of Canada

"The passage of this bill means new markets for Canadian canola growers, more value-added processing here at home, and it means new jobs created and the revitalization of rural communities right across Canada.

It also means choice and diversity for drivers, and new and cleaner sources of fuel supply in the diesel fuel pool."

- Brian Chorney, President, Canadian Canola Growers Association

"Biofuel plants provide Canadian farmers with another valuable market option in many rural communities.

The growth of a biofuel industry will reduce our dependency on shipping grain long distances by rail and will help keep a lid on fuel pump prices for all Canadians."

- Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel, President, Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association

"Canada's soybean industry welcomes the neutral feedstock approach taken to biodiesel in Bill C-33.

Soybeans are a diverse crop and Canadian soybean producers are adaptable to the needs of the market and this is another market for us to tap into."

- Jim Gowland, Chair, Canadian Soybean Council

"With world corn prices having been very low for decades, ethanol production in Canada allows us to stay away from high transport cost export markets and improve the return on our hard-laboured product.

Using the starch from corn to make ethanol will help lower harmful GHG emissions and moderate the price at the pump for Quebec drivers, while the distillers grains co-product from ethanol will help provide a valuable high-protein feed for Quebec livestock producers.

We commend the federal MPs who support Quebec farmers and rural communities by voting for Bill C-33."

- Christian Overbeek, President, Federation des producteurs de cultures commerciales du Quebec

"Parliament has shown great leadership today in bringing a big boost for biodiesel and other renewable fuels in Canada.

This is a huge win for Canadians today.

With diesel prices at an all-time high, trucks, boats, buses, and all diesel drivers will finally have choice at the pump now, paving the way for even greener and less expensive renewable fuels in the near future."

- Tim Haig, President and CEO, BIOX Corporation (Canada's largest biodiesel producer), and Chair, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association

For more information, call 613-295-6485.