WALES: Bates calls for 'workable' bio-fuel plan
Mick Bates AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson, today commented on the government's lack of a workable bio-fuels policy and the dangers of this market being sourced from outside the UK.
He said: "I have been lobbying the Labour Assembly Government long and hard to provide incentives to open a bio-diesel plant in Wales - this would provide a viable business that can protect the environment AND create jobs; bio-fuel can bridge the tensions between economic and environmental sustainability".
This green fuel is essentially vegetable oil; vehicles can run on a blend of bio-diesel and conventional diesel without modification. These vehicles then produce 5% less carbon dioxide emissions. Under present plans a 'bio-petrol' equivalent could be on station forecourts by 2005.
"I believe strongly that Wales could take the lead in this market but for governmental inertia - the Scottish Executive has already built a number of plants", said Mr Bates, "Bio-fuel would be a massive benefit to Welsh farmers, consumers and businesses".