U.S. state bans palm oil-based biodiesel

The U.S. State of Minnesota has banned the use of palm oil-based biodiesel within state lines due to the results of a study that found that many Malaysian and Indonesian plantations failed to meet sustainability standards. According to scientists, large tracts of rainforests were being cut down to make way for plantations, negating any positive environmental effects from the use of palm oil-based biodiesel. The Indonesian government responded to the ban, saying it regrets the U.S. state’s decision. Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono said that the Indonesian government was saddened by the regulation, which was issued without prior information or notification to the World Trade Organization. Sustainability requirements are difficult to meet, Indonesian officials said, because growing oil palm according to the requirements would yield less than if they were grown using different means.(June 5, 2009)