Low Carbon Fuel Standard

This map identifies states or groups of states that are either considering a low cabon fuel standard (LCFS) or have adopted an LCFS. An LCFS is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels without prescribing the fuel type. It is a life-cycle intensity standard, which means that (a) it looks at the whole life cycle of the fuel –producing it, moving it, and using it in a vehicle engine, and (b) it is measured not in absolute emissions, but rather in intensity – for example, grams of GHGs per unit of fuel energy. Typically, an LCFS requires a regulated fuel provider to reduce its average fuel carbon intensity (AFCI) by some amount from a defined baseline year. For instance, California’s LCFS requires fuel suppliers to reduce their AFCI by 10 percent by 2020 from a 2010 baseline. LCFS programs typically allow for trading and banking of emission credits in order to enhance flexibility and support innovation.  **Per an executive order, the State of Washington has assessed the potential for an LCFS, along with other options to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels and is initiating the rulemaking process. Oregon authorized an LCFS through legislation.