California’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) was designed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels inside California. Carbon intensity is measured in grams of carbon dioxide equivalents (g CO₂e) per unit energy (MJ) of fuel and is quantified on a life cycle basis. The LCFS utilizes a market-based solution to the need to reduce carbon emissions. Regulated parties include all producers of transportation fuel sold in the state. Petroleum refiners who produce gasoline and diesel transportation uses are typically regulated entities. Renewable fuel producers of low carbon intensity products can opt in to the system in order to be able to sell carbon credits. Each fuel provider is required to ensure that the carbon intensity of the suite of fuels they produce meets the carbon intensity target for that year. The CI of fuels is determined by the CA_GREET2 model. In 2019, the CA_GREET3 model, which has more recent data on upstream emissions, will be used to determine CI.  Fuel producers will need to switch to the CA_GREET3 model before the end of 2020. In addition, starting in 2020 fuel producers will also need to verify their CI with a verification tool.  Fuel producers will need to navigate the change in CI values as these regulations come into effect.

The Low Carbon Fuel Standard is one of the measures adopted by ARB, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 38500-38599 (AB 32) to reduce greenhouse gases in California. The Program’s goal is to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels sold in California. It is designed to help clean the air, protect the environment, and drive the development of clean, low-carbon fuels to improve California’s energy security and energy independence.

The best renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms have experts in a wide variety of bioeconomy specialties, including LCFS and RIN compliance experts.  They should also have experts in renewable fuels, renewable chemicals, feedstocks, biotechnologies, bioproducts, and all areas of sustainability, synthetic biology, emerging technologies, and waste management.  They should be able to provide clients with expertise for projects and be available as expert witnesses in matters within the bioeconomy. At Lee Enterprises Consulting, we have over 150 highly qualified experts, including ethanol experts, available to assist you with any ethanol-related matter.  See here for a list of our experts and our services and areas of specialty.  Feel free to call or email us for more information.