[20060316]RS22404_欧盟生物燃料政策和农业：概述.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22404March 16, 2006European Union Biofuels Policy and Agriculture: An OverviewRandy SchnepfSpecialist in Agricultural PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummarySeveral different economic and environmental forces have converged in recentyears to generate growing interest in alternate sources of energy, including biofuels,within the European Union (EU). The European Commission (EC) is using bothlegislation and formal directives to promote biofuel production and use within the EU.However, EU biofuel production is impeded by its high production costs relative tofossil fuels. To date, the most important biofuel produced in the EU has been biodieselwith an 80% share of biofuel production in 2004. Bioethanol has accounted for theremainder. The major feedstock for EU biodiesel production is rapeseed oil, whilebioethanol is generally produced using a combination of sugar beets and wheat. U.S. policymakers are closely watching EU biofuel developments, particularly forany successful policy choices that might work in the United States. In addition, both theproductio