Reaction to CARB approval of the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Kirk Haney, President and CEO, SG Biofuels

“We applaud the California Air Resources Board for their strong action in support of renewable energy use and the reduction of carbon emissions in the State of California.  Their action is both necessary and timely as industry and government works together to accelerate the production of viable, sustainable and cost effective alternative fuels.

“It is vitally important that, in our quest to achieve greater levels of renewable energy use, we emphasize those resources that are truly sustainable and do not create additional direct or indirect land use impacts.

“And, as mandates for renewable energy use increase and limits on carbon emissions are enacted, we must focus on those technologies and resources that promise near-term scalability and profitability. Clearly, the era of 15 and 20-year timetables for the development of renewable energy is over.

“We believe that Jatropha, a non-edible, plant-based feedstock that grows on marginal land not suited for other crops, resulting in no direct or indirect land use change, provides a unique opportunity to realize the vision set forth by CARB.  Jatropha has very-low input costs relative to other biofuel feedstocks, making Jatropha profitable today with current yields.

Craig Cox, Environmental Working Group: “California’s decision to move ahead with a low carbon fuel standard is an important step forward in our fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We hope California’s action will unleash the creativity of entrepreneurs and the marketplace to bring on board new vehicle technology and truly climate-friendly biofuels. We urge EPA to follow California’s lead and ensure the federal Renewable Fuel Standard moves the entire country in same direction.”

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association: “Adopting this standard sets a dangerous precedent about the application of unproven science to industries across the country. This standard is based on flawed analysis and selectively enforced penalties against biofuels only. In unfairly penalizing ethanol, ARB is relegating California to more petroleum use as biofuels are the only viable alternative liquid fuel.

“Despite the Board’s vote, we remain cautiously optimistic its decision to form an expert work group will provide an opportunity to get this standard right. Forming such a group is a clear signal that several important questions regarding the science and methodology used to develop and implement this standard remain unanswered. In too many cases, the research has simply not been done or needs additional validation or sensitivity analysis. A better solution would have been to adopt a regulation based on direct emissions only, thereby comparing all fuels on the same basis. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that the expert panel soon to be convened by ARB will recommend the changes necessary to enable the LCFS to be successful.”

AFBF President Bob Stallman : “The California Air Resource Board’s decision Thursday was the absolute worst move at the worst possible time. By adopting a low-carbon fuel standard based on anecdotal science, the board unfairly punishes renewable, American-grown biofuels, and has created greater market demand for imported petroleum products.

“American-grown renewable fuels have shown in study after study they are good for the environment. Renewable fuels provide a greater degree of domestic energy security, and they are creating economic opportunity for rural America.

 

“The standard put in place by the California Air Resource Board unfairly measures the indirect land use for biofuels without measuring the indirect land use for other fuels.

 

“The board has applied a false measurement to American crops that are grown and will continue to be grown regardless of their end use. There is no additional impact. In fact, our farm fields have demonstrated their ability to sequester carbon. Until all the science and modeling is complete, the allegation of indirect land use is simply wrong.

“Prior to the ruling, AFBF expressed to the CARB that it should not adopt the indirect land use provision. Pre-empting the scientific verdict does little more than place renewable fuels at a disadvantage to petroleum.”

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