Stakeholder participation in the formulation of Brazilian biofuel policy (RenovaBio)

Abstract

In this article, we examine the establishment of the Brazilian biofuels policy (RenovaBio). We identify whether there was participation of stakeholders, and efforts of interest groups (associations, sugar refineries, and fuel distributors) to send technical notes and comments in order to have their perspectives heard and demands met, mainly regarding the definition of individual targets for reducing greenhouse gases (GHG). Government documents and stakeholder comments were consulted. For this purpose, we used the social network analysis technique. We argue that the capacity for social participation in these hearings can increase the influence of specific groups on political decisions. The results of the study show the predominant participation of trade associations and companies linked to the energy and biofuels sector. RenovaBio reaffirms the argument in favor of decarbonization, energy security, and the contribution of biofuels to reducing GHG, as motivating and legitimizing factors for their establishment.

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“…On the other hand, it is closely linked to the sugarcane industry and, in various forms, directly involved in the biofuel business. This also applies to the policy formulation process on Reno-vaBio, in which representatives from the involved industries were heavily involved and able to shape the policy, while non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community representatives or smallholders were largely marginalized, which clearly shows the asymmetric power relations between these actors in Brazil (Lazaro and Thomaz 2021). Supporting this finding, Takaes Santos finds that a lack of participation of NGOs was notable, suggesting a dominance of experts and the private sector in the policy process.…”