2009.12.30-MPBN-Baldacci Pushes for Low Carbon Fuel Standard Press

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Baldacci Pushes for Low Carbon Fuel Standard

12/30/2009 04:33 PM ET
The Maine Public Broadcasting Network

The 11-state effort is aimed at cutting global warming emissions from cars and trucks.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci is among 11 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic governors who have signed an agreement to develop a mandatory, multi-state Low Carbon Fuel Standard, or LCFS.

LCFS establishes a global warming standard for transportation fuels aimed at cutting car and truck emissions that contribute to the problem. California was the first state to adopt an LCFS earlier this year, which requires the "carbon intensity" of transportation fuels to be cut 10 percent by 2020. Carbon intensity is the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of economic growth.

Supporters say the move will discourage the use of high carbon fuels, such as tar sands, and speed the adoption of cleaner-burning fuel alternatives such as electric vehicles and biofuels.

The governors did not lay out specific reduction targets, state officials say. James Brooks, Director of Maine's Department of Environmental Protection's Air Quality Bureau, says an analysis will be done to determine the policy framework for a Low Carbon Fuel Standard for the region. Brooks says a potential proposal is expected by the end of next year.

Supporters of the effort, such as Environment Northeast and the Conservation Law Foundation, say the Memorandum of Understanding signed today is a step forward.

The eleven states involved include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.