What’s next for the LCFS?

It has been reported that remarks from Governor Jay Inslee at a recent Washington Senate hearing, indicate that he is exploring the possibility of moving forward with a LCFS through executive action. The remarks have been met with a stiff resistance from a diverse coalition within the state concerned that an LCFS will mean higher gas prices and job losses, all for no meaningful environmental benefit.

Whilst California is currently moving forward with the standard, Washington is the latest western state to engage in the policy battle. The Oregon state legislature recently put a halt to the LCFS due to mounting concern regarding costs for consumers and the feasibility.

The hearing
In order to gain more clarity on the impacts of the LCFS, the Washington Senate Energy, Environment and Telecommunications Committee conducted a hearing to examine the Golden State’s LCFS, looking in particular at the feasibility and consumer impacts of the program. The hearing included an array of testimonies from both supporters and opponents of the program including Mike Waugh of the California Air Resources Board, Craig Kenworthy of Central Puget Sound Clear Air Agency and Stuart Clark, Program Manager at Washington State’s Department of Ecology.

Testimony
Frank Holmes of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) testified at the hearing and said that the LCFS is ‘a very complex program; even though it sounds simple, it’s anything but simple.’ Holmes then went on to warn that the LCFS is duplicative, costly for consumers, and faced serious legal issues.

Adapted from press release by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/31012014/next_for_lcfs/