Interactions between California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the national Renewable Fuel Standard

Whistance, J; Thompson, W; Meyer, S

HERO ID

11320537

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2017

Language

English

HERO ID 11320537
In Press No
Year 2017
Title Interactions between California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the national Renewable Fuel Standard
Authors Whistance, J; Thompson, W; Meyer, S
Journal Energy Policy
Volume 101
Page Numbers 447-455
Abstract This study investigates the economic interactions between a national renewable fuel policy, namely the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the United States, and a sub-national renewable fuel policy, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in California. The two policies have a similar objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the policies differ in the manner in which those objectives are met. The RFS imposes a hierarchical mandate of renewable fuel use for each year whereas the LCFS imposes a specific annual carbon-intensity reduction with less of a fuel specific mandate. We model the interactions using a partial-equilibrium structural model of agricultural and energy markets in the US and Rest-of-World regions. Our results suggest the policies are mutually reinforcing in that the compliance costs of meeting one of the requirements is lower in the presence of the other policy. In addition, the two policies combine to create a spatial shift in renewable fuel use toward California even though overall renewable fuel use remains relatively unchanged.
Doi 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.10.040
Wosid WOS:000392768800044
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Renewable Fuel Standard; Low Carbon Fuel Standard; Compliance costs