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    • Letter to Climate Commissioner on Fuel Quality Directive

    As environmental and civil society organisations committed to green technology development and halting dangerous climate change, we are concerned about the approach being taken by the European Commission in implementing Article 7a of the Fuel Quality Directive.

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    Our concerns have escalated after media reports that the latest draft implementing measures still do not include any specific default values for all unconventional feedstocks, most specifically tar sands and oil shale.

    The recent dramatic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has demonstrated the risks associated with the extraction of oil. It has also shown the need for proper, fair and independent regulation from the side of public authorities. The EU’s commitment to a clean and resource-efficient energy future is now being put to the test with the implementing measures for the Fuel Quality Directive.

    We call on you to send a clear signal to the world that the EU is truly set on a clean and resource-efficient pathway by ensuring that the carbon footprint of oil extraction and production is properly taken into account in the implementing measures for the Fuel Quality Directive. Both the urgency with which we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the decline in easy-to-produce oil suggests that the world is at a critical juncture in which society’s relationship with oil requires a new approach. The European Commission should immediately address unconventional oil sources/feedstocks that are characterised by much higher greenhouse gas emissions than conventional crude oil.

    We hope that you can take into account in your considerations our views and the enclosed detailed policy recommendations. With the adoption of the Fuel Quality Directive the EU has sent a clear signal that transport fuels must be decarbonised. We urge you to adopt an effective implementation system that helps to achieve this objective.

    We would welcome an opportunity to meet with you and discuss the approach to the decarbonisation of transport, including decarbonisation of transport fuels and efficiency standards for vehicles. We will contact your office shortly to arrange such a meeting.