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Publication date: 16 July 2009

US blamed for slower EU biodiesel output growth

EU biodiesel production is increasing at a slower pace since subsidised US imports hit the market in 2007, trade association the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) said on Wednesday.

Growth slowed to just 17% in 2007 compared to a 65% and 54% increase in 2005 and 2006 respectively, according to the association. Last year showed a marginal recovery with a 36% growth. Half of Europe's 276 biodiesel production facilities "remain idle" because of "unfair international competition".

EBB anticipates a greater recovery in 2009 and 2010 as a result of an EU decision to impose anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on US imports that was prolonged earlier this month. Demand is also set to rise as member states start implementing the renewables directive.

 EBB: 2008-2009: EU biodiesel industry shows resilience amid unfair international competition and degraded market conditions

EBB: EU Ministers endorse definitive measures against US biodiesel – EBB praises critical decision for EU producers

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France releases its second health-environment plan

The French government has published its second action plan on reducing health risks from environmental pollution. The plan contains twelve key measures for the period 2009-13, including a 30% cut in the emissions to air and water of six toxic substances.

These substances are mercury, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), benzene, chlorinated solvent perchloroethylene (PCE) and PCBs and dioxins. Other measures include a 30% reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration levels by 2015.

The government will spend €490m to implement the plan over the next five years. A first action plan was launched in 2004. A mid-term review of the plan's implementation showed slow progress in reducing emissions of particulate matter from diesel engines

Press-release (in French): http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr/publications-documentation/publications-documentation-sante/rapports/deuxieme-plan-national-sante-environnement-pnse-2-2009-2013.html?var_recherche=environnement

Second health-environment plan (in French)

Source: ENDS