BIO partners with LCFC to drive adoption of low carbon fuel policies
Under the new joint initiative, both organisations will work to advance policies that support green energy solutions to decarbonise transportation, a sector that currently leads all others in terms of greenhouse gas emissions produced.
The initiative will combine BIO’s ongoing work in developing sustainable fuels for both road and air transport with LCFC’s experience in establishing state-level market-based low carbon fuel policies.
“State low carbon fuel policies are a proven driver in decarbonising transportation,” said Stephanie Batchelor, vice-president of BIO’s industrial and environmental section. “If done right, these policies will incentivise biofuel producers to develop new low carbon fuels using sustainable sources like agricultural residues, industrial waste and even algae.”
Currently, nine US states have active bills or are considering legislation to establish standards supporting low carbon fuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol blends. The two groups will also collaborate to explain and demonstrate the value of low carbon fuel policies.
“Since implementing its low carbon fuel standard in 2011, California has prevented over 50 million tons of carbon pollution from being emitted on its roadways,” added Graham Noyes, co-founder and executive director of the LCFC. “We know that states across the country – from Washington to Minnesota to New York – are looking at policies to decarbonise and diversify their state’s transportation sectors, and this new joint initiative will work within those states to help lawmakers realise the potential of low carbon fuel policies.”
According to the National Resources Defense Council, California’s low carbon fuel standard, together with statewide carbon pollution limits, has helped save the state $1.6 billion [€1.45 billion] in health-related impacts from air pollution to date. The programme also increased the clean fuels market by $2.8 billion [€2.5 billion] with most of the economic gain taking place in rural communities where feedstocks for biofuel are grown.