Germany's Green Fuel Plan: A Step Forward or Backward?

Germany's government has given the green light to a new biofuels law. This law allows the continued use of food and animal feed as ingredients in biofuels. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles by mixing biofuels with regular fuel. Biofuels like biodiesel and bioethanol are made from things like rapeseed oil, waste vegetable oil, grains, and sugar. The previous government wanted to stop using food and feed ingredients. But now, the new law says they can still be used at current levels. There's a catch, though. Starting in 2027, palm oil won't count towards reducing emissions. This is because palm oil production can harm the environment in some parts of the world. The new law also puts the EU's Renewable Energy Directive into German law. This directive covers transport, electricity, and heating. The law has been delayed several times and was finally published. Now, it needs to be approved by parliament. The law also aims to stop double-counting of certain biofuel ingredients. Double-counting is when some advanced or waste-based biofuels are counted twice towards meeting targets. German oilseed traders are happy with the new law. They think it will support prices. One trader said they are relieved that food and feed-based ingredients can still be used. They also think ending double-counting is a good thing. But is this law a step forward or backward for the environment? It's a big question. On one hand, it continues to use food and feed ingredients, which some people think is not good. On the other hand, it stops double-counting and limits palm oil use.