Biofuels bill passes the House of Commons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 29 MAY 2008

OTTAWA – Battlefords-Lloydminster MP, Hon. Gerry Ritz says passage of biofuels legislation is a win-win situation for his constituents and for all Canadians.

Bill C-33 which passed through the House of Commons yesterday, amends the Environmental Protection Act to include requirements that all gasoline sold in Canada contain five percent ethanol by 2010, and all diesel and heating oil contain two percent renewable fuels by 2012.

“Our biofuels strategy not only creates valuable market options for our farmers but also creates jobs and, as a cleaner-burning renewable fuel, protects the environment,” says Ritz.

Battlefords-Lloydminster is well familiar with biofuels and this legislation will provide further support to this emerging industry and its associated growers.

“And it’s a critical step toward development of other biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol,” says Ritz.

Bill C-33 passed despite opposition from the NDP and Bloc members.

“It’s unfortunate that they chose to vote against a forward-thinking policy that is good for the Canadian economy, good for Canadian farmers and great news for the environment.”

The Bill is now at debate stage in the Canadian Senate.

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