Australia stalls on biofuel blueprint

Pressure is mounting on the Australian government to release its blueprint for biofuel production in western Australia. A report highlighting several recommendations to build a viable industry was handed to the previous Labor government in 2007. Agriculture Minister Terry Redman has been accused of sitting on the report, but a spokesperson for his office said it was still under consideration. Redman had previously stated that he was “loath” to support one of the report’s recommendations, which is a biofuel mandate. WestPetro Managing Director Colette Menegola said mandates were vital to get a local industry up and running and viable. (January 21, 2010)