ARC welcomes biofuels targets

Government biofuels sales obligation targets pave the way for the use of biodiesel which has significant air quality as well as climate change benefits says the Auckland Regional Council.

ARC Environmental Management Committee Chair Dianne Glenn says one of the biggest challenges the Auckland region currently faces is improving air quality and, given the significant contribution of motor vehicles to air pollution, any initiative that assists with reducing harmful emissions from this sector is very welcome.

Air quality in the urban area of Auckland currently breaches acceptable levels required under the Air Quality National Environmental Standards in relation to fine particulate (PM10), with the key sources of emissions in the region being motor vehicles (51%), domestic fires (41%), and industry (8%).

PM10 are tiny particles suspended in the air, less than 10 microns in diameter, that are invisible to the human eye. These particles can affect health, especially in asthmatics and people with heart and lung disease. ARC air quality scientist Gerda Kuschel says that PM10 pollution is estimated to cause nearly 400 premature deaths in the Auckland region every year with associated health costs estimated at $1.3 billion.

“In the transport sector, 91% of the fine particulate (PM10) emissions comes from diesel vehicles so initiatives targeting these vehicles will be the most effective in assisting us in achieving our air quality goals,” says Cr Glenn.

The ARC has already participated in a joint trial of biodiesel in buses with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Stagecoach, BP and Auckland University.

“This testing has confirmed that a 20% biodiesel blend (B20) can reduce PM10 emissions by 10%. By having mandatory biofuels targets, biodiesel can now be added to the list of options that will help us achieve the emissions reductions needed to meet the National Environmental Standard by 2013,” says Dr Kuschel.

Cr Glenn says the ARC is looking forward to working with government on future climate change initiatives that result in air quality and other environmental benefits as there is a real opportunity for “win-win” all round.

ENDS

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