New assessment shows electricity is key contributor to Low Carbon Fuel Standard

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new assessment, released today, suggests just how doable the Low Carbon Fuel Standard is, despite claims by the oil industry.

"We're hearing that there's a lot of pressure to relax the regulations that can help bring clean fuels and diversity to the transportation fuels sector. We already know that fuel diversity, particularly electricity, as a transportation fuel can benefit the economy while also cleaning our air," said Eileen Tutt, executive director of the California Electric Transportation Coalition (CalETC), which coordinated the assessment.

The assessment, commissioned by CalETC and conducted by TIAX LLC, shows that, in the early years of the program, oil companies could comply with the standard almost entirely by purchasing credits from the electricity sector. And that's true even if they only focus on public transit, rail, forklifts, and refrigeration units, which for regulatory purposes are part of the LCFS.

"Electricity as a transportation fuel is a win-win - for the economy and for the environment," said Elisabeth Brinton, head of Sacramento Municipal Utility District's retail business. "So is the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. It's a great idea whose time has come."

Electricity makes economic sense, as well: it costs about 75 percent less than gas or diesel when used as a transportation fuel. And in California electric transportation is much cleaner than gas or diesel fueled transportation, in terms of carbon and other pollutants.

"California is on the path to a diverse clean fuel future that promotes economic growth, clean air, energy independence, and climate protection," Tutt said. "Our state's pioneering clean fuel standard is a key building block, and it shouldn't be weakened."

View the full assessment at http://www.caletc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/TIAX_CalETC_LCFS_Electricity_Potential_FINAL.pdf

Media Contacts:

BreAnda Northcutt 916.446.1955
Christina Haro 415.453.043
Roxanna Smith 510.326.0390

SOURCE California Electric Transportation Coalition