California prepares stringent fuel standards
The standard aims to discouraging oil use by boosting alternatives such as ethanol, biodiesel and natural gas. Starting in 2011, the standard would steadily lower the allowable 'carbon intensity' of fuels, the amount of greenhouse gases released for every unit of energy produced, and looks set to include a penalty for indirect land use change for biofuels. The standard aims to have fuel refiners and distributors within the state to have cut the carbon intensity of their fuels by 10 percent by 2020.
If the standard is passed it could pave the way for similar schemes being implemented. 'We really think this is the future of fuels policy, globally, and California is at the forefront of establishing the rules and the structure,' said Anthony Eggert, science policy adviser for the air board.
The air board claim that by diversifying the state's fuel supply. The standard could save Californians up to €8.3 billion by 2020. However, critics have called the estimate wildly optimistic responding that it could cost Californians €2.8 billion a year.