Ethanol Europe - Clonbio Group

Lobbying Organisation Ethanol Europe - Clonbio Group

Date published 06 Jan, 2023

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Environment

Period 1 Sep, 2022 to 31 Dec, 2022

Specific Details We work in the areas of renewable fuels for transport, renewable gas (biomethane) and plant protein, bringing awareness of the opportunities for Ireland to shift to a more climate friendly system and greater energy independence, in a way which allows for sustainable economic growth and innovation.

Intended results We help policy makers understand the industrial, technological and market environments so they can devise better renewable fuels, gas and plant protein policies. The Climate Action Plan and the EU Green Deal and the key legislative frameworks of interest.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity James Cogan

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Informal communication (2-5)

Informal chance encounters at events. For instance I met Minister Ryan by chance on a plane and at a conference and we had brief conversations.

Email (2-5)

I send occasional info-emails to a number of government officials, elected representatives and public organisations (Climate Change Advisory Council, SEAI). In addition to providing information on renewable energy and plant protein independence I invite them to visit production facilities to see first hand how the processes work.

Submission (1)

I submitted a response to the December public consultation on the planned Jan 1st increase in the renewable fuels obligation.

Social Media (6-10)

I regularly publish policy relevant comment on my LinkedIn profile, reaching a dozen or so key influencers of policy direction in Ireland and the EU. It is difficult to get direct access to policy makers. For instance, in 2022 the government conducted a study on renewable fuels, refraining from an engagement with sector experts, and basing its findings wholly on Internet searches. This leads to blindspots. I try to counter this.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Eamon Ryan Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Finance)