Column ignored the good biofuels do

Re: Biofuels one of our greatest environmental blunders, opinion column by Gwyn Morgan, Oct. 18.

It’s disappointing to see this deeply flawed piece. Especially on the heels of the federal government’s announcement on a national carbon price and continued engagement for complementary regulatory measures. How anyone can continue to suggest biofuels aren’t greener than fossil fuels simply defies reason.

Morgan has ignored the multitude of university, government and international studies that prove biofuel production and use emits less carbon than fossil fuels — especially considering deepwater and oilsands extraction methods.

Regarding food supplies and prices, the World Bank’s 2013 report, Long-Term Drivers of Food Prices, determined oil prices cause almost two-thirds of food price increases. Record ethanol production is happening right now while corn supply is high and prices are low.

Canada’s ethanol and biodiesel mandates remove the carbon equivalent of one million cars every year. Increasing the mandates could double these GHG reductions.

One has to wonder why high-profile individuals like Morgan and organizations such as Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission are so hard on biofuels yet silent on fossil fuel emissions and subsidies.

ANDREA KENT, president, Renewable Industries Canada, Ottawa