Low Carbon Fuel Standard

California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program requires a reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale in the state through 2030. The California Air Resources Board regulations require transportation fuel producers and importers to meet specified average carbon intensity requirements for fuel. LCFS regulated fuels include natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, gasoline mixed with at least 10% corn-derived ethanol, biomass-based diesel, and propane. Non-biomass-based alternative fuels that are supplied in California for use in transportation at an aggregated volume of less than 3.6 million gasoline gallon equivalents per year are exempt from LCFS requirements. Other exemptions apply for transportation fuel used in specific applications. The LCFS Program allows producers and importers to generate, acquire, transfer, bank, borrow, and trade credits. Fuel producers and importers regulated under the LCFS must meet quarterly and annual reporting requirements. For more information, see the LCFS Program website.

(Reference California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 95480-95490; and California Health and Safety Code 38500-38599)

Jurisdiction: California

Type: Laws and Regulations

Enacted: Sep 27, 2006

Amended: Apr 1, 2012

Technologies: Biodiesel, Ethanol, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Natural Gas

See all California Laws and Incentives.