Low Carbon, Clean Fuel Policies

Building Upon the RFS with Low Carbon, Clean Fuel Policies

Reduction in carbon emissions has become a central policy concern and RFA sees tremendous potential for ethanol’s role in low carbon initiatives. RFA has been taking a leading role in developing policies such as Low Carbon Fuel Standards/Clean Fuel Standards (LCFS/CFS) at the state and federal level, and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration (CCUS).

 

The Administration and Congress are heavily focused on climate and reducing carbon emissions. While the RFS has created a durable policy foundation for biofuels to reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector, complementary policies could deepen and accelerate the role for biofuels in decarbonization.

 

Low Carbon Fuel Standards/Clean Fuel Standards

Low carbon fuel standards, or clean fuel standards, already employed in different forms by several states and nations, work by requiring reductions in average carbon intensity on an annual basis across the transportation sector. RFA has several priorities related to such initiatives:

 

  • Must be based on consistent and fair lifecycle analyses for all fuel options.
  • Must ensure technology and vehicle neutrality, including equitable credit for fuel/vehicle combinations that result in energy efficiency improvements (e.g., EV drivetrains, high-octane fuels in optimized engines).
  • Transparency in lifecycle accounting and carbon credit generation.
 

Several western states already have LCFS policies in place where ethanol’s carbon reduction is already a substantial part of meeting their carbon reduction goals. Similar systems are currently being evaluated by states in the Midwest and elsewhere. Furthermore, RFA is involved in discussions of a federal Clean Fuel Standard that could be central to meeting the Administration’s climate goals.

 

Share of GHG Emissions Reductions Under the LCFS, by Fuel Type:

Ethanol has cut emissions by 26 million metric tons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  California Air Resources Board

 

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration

Another reason the ethanol industry’s contribution is vital to achieving a net zero energy future is the emergence and potential of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration (CCUS). CCUS technology. CCUS systems can either capture carbon created in the production process or pull it straight from the open air. Incentives for deployment of these systems present a terrific ROI for meeting climate goals.

 

When combined with the extensive advancements in agriculture technology that allow the plant to sequester more carbon, CCUS is part of the path to net zero, or even net negative GHG emissions from ethanol.

 

A Net Zero Future

Reduction in carbon emissions is a top priority of the ethanol industry. RFA is committed to leading the transition to net zero carbon emissions. Today’s ethanol already reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 52 percent, on average, when compared directly to gasoline. Some of our members are already providing GHG savings of up to 65-75 percent.  RFA's fact sheet spotlights recent research and data proving that ethanol is an immediate solution for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

 

But this is only the beginning. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, the producer members of the Renewable Fuels Association have committed to the pursuit of the following carbon performance goals:

 

  • By 2030, ensure that ethanol reduces GHG emissions by at least 70 percent, on average, when compared directly to gasoline. This equates to a 33 percent reduction in ethanol’s average carbon footprint from 45 grams CO2-equivalent per megajoule (g/MJ) today to about 30 g/MJ by 2030.
  • By 2050, ensure that ethanol achieves net zero lifecycle GHG emissions, on average. As ethanol producers continue to adopt carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) and other low- and no-carbon technologies between 2030 and 2050, U.S. ethanol can achieve net carbon neutrality, on average, by mid-century or even sooner.

Whether for 2030, 2050, or beyond, low carbon and net zero ethanol is essential to meeting carbon goals. Additionally, as a low carbon fuel, ethanol can help to decarbonize more than light-duty transportation alone. RFA is pursuing new and existing opportunities in biochemical refining, sustainable aviation fuel, heavy-duty applications, electricity generation and more.  Ethanol’s carbon savings can be tapped today and can work alongside electrification and other low carbon fuels as the nation transitions to a net zero carbon emission future.

 

Learn more about ethanol's carbon benefits.