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).
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.
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. 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.
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.
The producer members of the Renewable Fuels Association have committed to a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050.
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.
RFA LCFS News Releases RFA CCUS News Releases RFA Low Carbon Library
