The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association today applauded Premier Stelmach's announcement of an Alberta Renewable Fuel Standard, which would require 5% ethanol and 2% biodiesel fuel blends in the province by 2010.
"Today, Alberta is building on its energy leadership by encouraging the use of cleaner renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel," said Gordon Quaiattini, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. "The Alberta Renewable Fuel Standard announced today will help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, grow rural economies, and give consumers new choices at the pump."
Renewable Fuel Standards are now in place at the federal level in Canada, as well as in Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The United States has a renewable goal of 36 billion gallons by 2022 – 21 billion to come from advanced renewable fuels. This goal, as well as new incentives to encourage their development, is strongly supported by President-elect Obama.
"Alberta, with its agricultural and energy infrastructure and expertise, is uniquely positioned to build a vibrant homegrown ethanol and biodiesel industry," added Quaiattini. "This is the start of a new renewable energy era in Alberta."
The CRFA also applauded the government of Alberta on revising and extending their biorefining production incentive programs.
According to Natural Resources Canada's GHGenius lifecycle assessment model, the federal renewable fuel standard 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.
The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote renewable transportation fuels through consumer awareness and government liaison activities. CRFA membership is composed of representatives from all levels of the ethanol and biodiesel industry, including: grain and cellulose ethanol producers, biodiesel producers, fuel technology providers, agricultural associations, and auto makers.
