The European Union took a step toward reducing the mandate for biofuel usage from 10 percent to 5.5 percent by the year 2020. In a 43-21 vote on July 11, the European Parliament's environmental committee passed the legislation, which would in turn free up more oilseeds and grains for livestock and poultry feed use, as well as make less dried distillers' grains with solubles available.
The vote backs down from the target set in 2008, calling for 10 percent of all transportation fuel to come from renewable sources, most of which would be biofuels from grains and oilseeds. The committee vote will be followed by a plenary vote, which according to a Reuter's report, is expected in September. It would also require endorsement by EU member states, which have been divided on the issue.
