Puget Sound Unveils New Regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard COMMENTS DUE: January 6, 2020

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Washington state we have news that the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued its Low Carbon Fuel Standard rule for consideration.

This is the first economic region to attempt a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, and follows on from the failure of the Washington State Legislature to complete passage of all the elements in the package of climate bills offered in the legislative session that concluded earlier this year.

At the time, it was mooted that the Puget Sound area would attempt to develop a standard of its own. Meanwhile, efforts have resumed towards getting a statewide Standard passed in the upcoming legislative session.

The population impact

The Puget Sound proposal covers metropolitan Seattle and King County, Tacoma and Pierce County, Everett and Snohomish County, and Bremerton and Kitsap County.

The population covered by the proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard is greater than the statewide population of Oregon, which operates under a statewide LCFS for its 4.19 million people.

The Draft Rule

The Emission Cut

First, the standard proposes to reduce emissions to 25 percent below 2016 emissions by 2030. This is ambitious compared to the original California program, which aimed to cut emissions by 20 percent compared to an earlier, lower baseline. California’s program has since been refocused on a 30 percent cut.

The Calculation Method

Carbon Intensities are largely based on California pathways, as updated for Washington state. This is similar to the Oregon approach, and aims to avoid the creation of multiple bureaucracies and balkanizing the fuel market. Rather, pathways will be the same up and down the US Pacific Coast.

When does it start?

The first compliance year would be 2021, with reporting only — the cuts in emissions would come annually after that, and fast.

What’s covered?

Covered Fuels are gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel, renewable hydrocarbon diesel, fossil natural gas, liquefied petroleum, blends of these. Opt-in fuels include electricity, bio-CNG, bio-LNG, hydrogen, alternative jet fuel, renewable propane.

What’s the expected economic impact?

The Puget Sound authority estimates that public health savings will reach up to $45 million from avoided deaths, and that the region will add 330,000 jobs with a regional clean fuel standard.

The authorities estimate that total cost per-mile-traveled is “likely to decrease” as fuel efficient engines and options begin to proliferate in the state.

The Public Comments period

The public comment period is just now underway and will continue through January 6, 2020. Comments can be sent to cleanfuels@pscleanair.org. Also, there will be a public hearing on December 19th at the Seattle convention center. READ MORE