Why did the US oppose India's biofuel resolution at MEPC?

The United States made a surprising move at the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) by halting the adoption of a draft resolution on biofuels put forward by India. The resolution aimed to promote the use of biofuels and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This decision has raised concerns and speculation about the motivations behind the US opposition.

The US's Suggestion for Further Discussions:

According to sources quoted by PTI, the US proposed the need for further discussions on the biofuel draft resolution during the MEPC session. Interestingly, this suggestion was not raised in earlier deliberations, where the majority of the group considered it an immediate requirement. The US's stance indicates a desire for more thorough consideration of the resolution's impact on other green fuel alternatives like Ammonia and Hydrogen, in which the US has invested significant resources.

India's Draft Resolution:

India's draft MEPC resolution sought to promote the uptake of biofuels and reduce GHG emissions. The proposed biofuels would be certified by the International Certification Scheme, ensuring sustainability aspects in line with Life Cycle Assessment guidelines. These certified biofuels would be assigned a CO2 emission conversion factor of zero, emphasizing their potential to mitigate climate change.

Opposition Reasons and Speculations:

The US's opposition to the draft resolution could stem from concerns about potential negative impacts on promoting alternative green fuels such as Ammonia and Hydrogen. By endorsing biofuels as drop-in fuel options, the US might perceive a potential obstacle to the adoption and advancement of these alternatives. The US may want to explore various perspectives and gather more observations before submitting the resolution to the Intersessional Working Group.

Biofuels and their Advantages:

Biofuels are hydrocarbon fuels derived from organic matter, including living or once-living materials, produced within a short period. They can be solid (e.g., wood, plant material, manure), liquid (e.g., bioethanol, biodiesel), or gaseous (e.g., biogas). The utilization of biofuels offers several advantages, such as reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels. Furthermore, biofuel production can contribute to agricultural development, rural income generation, and increased productivity.

Despite their benefits, biofuels face efficiency challenges as they generally produce less energy than fossil fuels. The use of cropland for fuel crops might lead to food shortages, raising concerns about balancing food security and energy needs. Additionally, biofuel production necessitates significant water resources, potentially straining local supplies and contributing to water scarcity issues.