Low Carbon Fuel Policy
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Meeting 3
A Low Carbon Fuel Policy (LCFP) is being considered in several states in the Midwest, and in jurisdictions outside the region, as a potential tool for reducing GHG emissions in the transportation sector.
In November 2007, the Midwestern governors adopted the Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform for the Midwest (Energy Platform), which calls for the creation of “a uniform, regional low-carbon fuels policy—implemented at the state or provincial level as a standard, objective or incentive—and report annually on progress.”
To further the objectives of the Energy Platform, the MGA established an advisory group to develop a model LCFP framework for the region. Since 2008, MGA has hosted stakeholder discussions and consensus-building meetings that resulted in a group of recommendations on a regional LCFP. Additionally, bringing these regional stakeholders together served as a valuable opportunity for shared learning amongst regional stakeholder groups.
In March 2009, the MGA’s Energy Steering Committee agreed to a set of basic principles on a LCFP, as laid out in the advisory group’s Regional Low Carbon Fuel Policy recommendations. In addition, the MGA established a new, expanded stakeholder effort that began in the summer of 2009 and will continue at least into 2010.
The expanded Phase II of MGA’s LCFP advisory group, has two major objectives:
- Provide a Midwestern perspective and regional input on any federal LCFS that is proposed
- Develop design considerations to aid Midwestern jurisdictions considering an LCFS to ensure integration and consistency across the region.
MGA stakeholder work on LCFP furthermore aims to:
- Articulate a Midwestern position on the development of state and federal low-carbon fuel policies;
- Make recommendations on how to integrate state efforts towards a common LCFP framework based on the best available science and techniques;
- Assure that Midwestern interests have a voice in the development of low-carbon policies at the national level and in other states;
- Learn about the issues and increase common understanding regarding the scientific and technical issues with life-cycle assessment of fuels; and
- Understand how implementation of LCFS's will impact the Midwestern economy.
MGA stakeholders have agreed that the objectives of an LCFP would be to:
- Create a framework and incentives for development of, and demand for, low carbon fuels in the Midwest;
- Decrease the GHG intensity of transportation fuels;
- Take advantage of our agricultural and industrial strengths to benefit our regional economy while protecting our natural resources; and
- Complement other policies focused on improving transportation efficiency and reducing GHG emissions in the region.
The current advisory group roster is available by clicking here.
May 19-20, 2010; Minneapolis, Minnesota
Meeting Agenda
February 17-18, 2010; Chicago, Illinois
Meeting Agenda
Meeting PowerPoint
Meeting Notes
Meeting Presentations
Compliance Subgroup
Federal Policy and Other Programs Subgroup
Leakage Subgroup
Modeling Subgroup
Model Rule Subgroup
Meeting Documents
Draft MGA LCFS Process Flow Version 4
MGA LCFS Compliance Criteria
LCFS Summary Table
Regulated Parties Handout 2.11.10
Options for Addressing Leakage STAFF DRAFT 2.8.10
Model Rule Liaison Ground Rules 2.4.10
Analysis Report Outline
Model Rule Draft for AG Feedback 2.11.10
High Yield Fund 2.8.10
November 17-19, 2009; Calgary and Fort McMurray, Alberta
Meeting Itinerary
Meeting Notes
PowerPoint - Nov. 19
Speaker PowerPoints
Andy Ridge - Government of Alberta - PowerPoint
Eddy Isaacs - Government of Alberta - PowerPoint
Pembina - PowerPoint
Hunter Roberts - BTAG Overview PowerPoint
Meeting Materials
Meeting 1 Info Flyer
LCFS Workplan
Subgroup Scope of work
LCFS Ground Rules
ECS Summary
Webinar - July 27, 2009
Intro Slides from the LCFS Webinar including Notes & Poll Results
Moving Forward on a Regional Low Carbon Fuel Policy
A cross-section of stakeholders from across the Midwest has been identified to participate in an MGA advisory group for the LCFP process. The group will be made up of experts from academia, agriculture, government, industry, and non-governmental organizations, reflecting a broad range of perspectives and knowledge. Potential advisory group members are being invited to participate. This group will include state government agency officials who will liaison with the MGA Energy Steering Committee, which will ultimately oversee the process.
The goals of this group are to:
- Develop policy recommendations for a LCFP to ensure the Midwest's interests are considered in any national policy debate.
- Educate policymakers and stakeholders on the key components of a LCFP, their impact on the region and the role the Midwest should have in any national policy debate.
- Develop recommendations regarding life cycle assessment, GHG intensity of fuels, emissions reductions, program compliance and reporting, and credit trading;
- Coordinate with federal and other regional programs to assure uniformity, lack of conflict and redundancy, and potential trading across programs; and
- Investigate non-GHG environmental impacts of the policy, recommending any additional safeguards as necessary.
