Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-01-29-Speech-3-155"
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"en.20030129.9.3-155"2
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"Madam President, work on the amendment of this Directive began over a year ago. We have finally reached an agreement and I would like to congratulate Mrs Hautala on such a satisfactory outcome. We encountered a number of difficulties during the first reading, but I believe we have now reached compromises acceptable to all.
As we heard, this amendment will mean that trade in diesel and petrol with a sulphur content exceeding 10mg/kg will be banned from 2005. The ban will be implemented gradually, with a total prohibition coming into effect from 2009. I think this is a good solution and a good compromise. Whatever your point of view however, although this measure will improve air quality, the production of the new fuels will undoubtedly cause an increase in emissions from refineries. If the production and sale of new fuels do not go in tandem with renewal of the fleet of vehicles, there may be an overall increase in carbon dioxide emissions. Considerable costs would be incurred too, as it is much more expensive to produce these fuels.
It is therefore important for the Commission to assess the progress made. In 2005 it should also revise the date after which only low-sulphur diesel may be sold, especially where diesel agricultural tractors and road vehicles are concerned. This is because diesel vehicles are replaced far less frequently than their petrol counterparts and their fuel consumption is relatively low. There is a risk that the improvements in air quality we all hope for may not be achieved.
Finally, Commissioner, as rapporteur for the biofuels Directive, I have to say that I think the Commission should authorise biofuel mixtures in excess of 5% as a matter of urgency. It should propose new specifications on levels and new testing methods for biofuels and for fuels used by the inshore fleet.
Several makes of car are currently able to run on mixtures exceeding 5%. There are however, no technical standards relating to vehicles of this type. Countries have undertaken to reach specific targets. Though the latter are not set in stone, they ought to be met. If countries are not able to use biofuel mixtures, it will be very difficult for them to do so.
Biofuels significantly reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and are a useful way of improving air quality.
I would like to end by congratulating the rapporteur warmly once again, on behalf of the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats. Congratulations are due also of course to the Commission and the Council. I recommend voting in favour of this report."@en1
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