by Leticia Phillips | Jul 29, 2015 | Sem categoria
The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (“UNICA”) this week submitted formal comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opposing changes to the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume targets for 2014, 2015 and 2016. In the past UNICA has...
by Leticia Phillips | Jun 30, 2015 | Sem categoria
Today, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is visiting Washington, D.C. to strengthen the relationship between two of the Western Hemisphere’s biggest nations. But as with any successful relationship, compromise is key on important issues, and President Rousseff plans...
by Géraldine Kutas | Jun 29, 2015 | Sem categoria
Here we are! The ILUC file is finally over and now it seems that no one wants to hear more about biofuels, especially the Commission. However, biofuels are alive and kicking and there has been evidence of their presence in the past few weeks! During his opening speech...
by Leticia Phillips | Jun 23, 2015 | Sem categoria
The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (known by the acronym “UNICA”) issued the following statement regarding changes to Brazil’s tax policy on imported ethanol. It should be attributed to Elizabeth Farina, UNICA President. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff...
by Géraldine Kutas | May 12, 2015 | Sem categoria
This year’s theme of the Universal Exposition EXPO Milano 2015 “Feeding the planet. Energy for life” couldn’t be more spot on for us! I’m very excited to present Brazil’s success story with renewable fuels and to organise a conference on “Producing food and energy for...
by Géraldine Kutas | Apr 29, 2015 | Sem categoria
Members of the European Parliament finally endorsed the COREPER text on ILUC yesterday morning in plenary. After the disappointment of not winning concessions from Member States on any of their main points, MEPs have – against the will of many – voted in favour of the...
by Géraldine Kutas | Feb 24, 2015 | Sem categoria
Today, the European Parliament’s Environment committee adopted a second reading position on the ILUC dossier, and I’d like to congratulate MEPs for many of the points they expressed through their vote. First, they signed off on a 6.5% target for energy from renewable...
by Géraldine Kutas | Jan 22, 2015 | Sem categoria
Well before we started thinking about our New Year’s resolutions, the European Commission published on 16 December its work programme for 2015, based on 23 new initiatives built around 10 key policy priorities. We can only applaud the targeted nature of measures...
by Géraldine Kutas | Dec 15, 2014 | Sem categoria
On 4 December 2014, the Environment Committee in the European Parliament held a public hearing on air quality and on national emissions beyond 2020. Emissions from road traffic were naturally discussed and the debate focused, as expected, on testing methods. The new...
by Géraldine Kutas | Nov 6, 2014 | Sem categoria
On 24 October European leaders reached an agreement on the framework which will set the energy and climate scene for the next 15 years. The deal embraces several elements which will form the basis of the legislative proposals to be developed by the European...
by Géraldine Kutas | Oct 23, 2014 | Sem categoria
After two intense weeks of confirmation hearings in the Parliament, highly political discussions in Brussels, Strasbourg and EU capitals and after a mini re-shuffle of portfolios, the Junker Commission has been confirmed by the Parliament. It was described by Mr...
by Géraldine Kutas | Sep 8, 2014 | Sem categoria
After an intense summer break, which saw Brussels far from quiet but rather busy speculating about the nominations to top EU posts, business has resumed in the institutions. In the Parliament, the Environment committee has already met to vote on the questionnaire to...
by Géraldine Kutas | Jul 15, 2014 | Sem categoria
After a short break occasioned by the European elections in May, it will soon be time for new and returning Members of the European Parliament to embark on second reading discussions on ILUC. Member States adopted their common position on 13 June and, as soon the text...
by Leticia Phillips | Jun 18, 2014 | Sem categoria
Sometimes, we all need friendly reminders. Our favorite World Cup soccer players get reminded on the field to play by the rules, and we often get reminded about our commitments. Commitments to our family, commitments to our friends, and commitments to our...
by Géraldine Kutas | Jun 13, 2014 | Sem categoria
Today, European Energy Ministers finally adopted the Council’s position on ILUC, after EU ambassadors passed the Greek compromise last week. Key elements of the positions are a cap for conventional biofuels at 7% and a non-binding sub-target for advanced biofuels at...
