UK sits on fence over EU tar sands vote23 February 2012
UK inaction could see EU imports of tar sands oil - a fuel more polluting than conventional oil.
Today's EU proposal to label the oil as highly polluting failed to win enough support - as member states like the UK chose to not vote.
The oil causes around a quarter more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional oil. Canada wants to export petrol, made from the oil, into Europe.
Government plays dirty game
EU Ministers will now have the final say - delaying the decision until later this year. Labelling the oil as highly polluting would effectively ban tar sands from the EU.
Tar sands oil is one of the dirtiest transport fuels - EU ministers must vote to keep them out of Europe or our ability to tackle climate change will be undermined.
Tony Bosworth, Energy Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth has accused the UK Government of sitting on the fence.
We're calling for the Government to:
- Stop highly-polluting tar sands being imported into Europe.
- Fast-track the production of cleaner vehicles that burn less fuel.
Impact on people and the environment
Please read our two-page summary, Tar sands impacts on people, climate and environment.
