This Friday, November 8, 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will vote to adopt the proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). This meeting will conclude a multi-year discussion on how best to utilize the LCFS to accelerate transportation decarbonization and improve alignment between the LCFS and other clean transportation regulatory objectives.
The California Renewable Transportation Alliance (CRTA) strongly supports the LCFS for its effectiveness in increasing low-carbon fuel production, reducing methane emissions, and advancing future zero-emission alternatives and infrastructure buildout.
“Over the years, the LCFS program has driven the development and adoption of renewable fuels and innovative technologies while significantly mitigating the impact of one of the most potent greenhouse gases. It is a highly effective tool and by championing this program, California is paving the way for a healthier environment and a more sustainable transition,” said CRTA President Nicole Rice.
In response to the October 1, 2024 release of the “Proposed Second 15-Day Changes to the Proposed Amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard,” CRTA continued to highlight this support, especially in relation to the capturing and reuse of fugitive methane emissions from dairy operations. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is significantly more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, making its reduction critical for achieving climate goals. Consequently, CRTA also reiterated its concerns about the proposed amendment to reduce the crediting period for biomethane projects, which could jeopardize methane abatement efforts by discouraging future investment. Further, CRTA cautioned against using deployment milestones for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) as a trigger for biomethane deliverability reporting because this could distort the true progress in reducing emissions from heavy-duty trucks.
Despite these concerns, CRTA believes the proposed amendments before the Board are supportable, recognizing the milestones reached by stakeholders and CARB staff during this multi-year debate. CRTA urges the Board to vote in favor of the proposal.
“Supporting the LCFS goes beyond reducing emissions,” Nicole Rice concludes. “It’s an investment in our future that showcases our commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible California.”
Click here for more information about the board meeting and related materials and here to view CRTA’s comment letter.