Posts Tagged ‘California’

Washington State Considers Changes to Clean Fuel Standard

Posted February 22nd, 2024 by SRECTrade.

The Washington Department of Ecology held a workshop on Thursday to discuss potential rule changes to the state’s Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) which was originally implemented on January 1, 2023. Ecology staff laid out the scope of this rulemaking which is expected to conclude with rule adoption by early 2025. The rulemaking will address the following topics:

  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – align program rules with state legislation passed in 2023 that aims to expand use of SAF.
  • Third-Party Verification – require fuel pathway applications and fuel transaction reports to be verified by accredited verification bodies. Ecology is looking to mirror similar programs in California and Oregon, where both programs are proposing to expand existing verification requirements to include EV charging. Ecology did not clarify whether verification would be required for EVs during the workshop.
  • Expand ZEV infrastructure applicability – current rules allow for certain public fast-charging and hydrogen refueling stations to generate CFS credits based in part on station fueling capacity and not solely on the quantity of fueling. Ecology is considering expanding the current rules to allow for medium and heavy-duty infrastructure to be eligible as well. The California Air Resources Board has proposed a similar expansion of ZEV infrastructure crediting for their Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Ecology also indicated that the current ZEV infrastructure program will soon be implemented.
  • Book-and-claim accounting – Ecology staff propose to update accounting methods for biomethane and electricity.

Ecology clarified that changes to carbon intensity targets and program participation fees would not be considered during this rulemaking.

Public comments from this initial workshop may be submitted by March 24. Ecology will schedule additional workshops in the spring and begin publishing draft rules this summer. Ecology aims to hold a public hearing to consider rule changes in the fall or winter.

Latest Data Shows Largest CA LCFS Credit Surplus

Posted February 16th, 2024 by SRECTrade.

Quarterly data from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) showed the largest ever credit surplus as prices fell to multi-year lows last month. Earlier this week, CARB postponed a March hearing to consider reforms to the LCFS program and may be evaluating stricter carbon intensity targets amidst stakeholder pressure.

In Q3 2023, 2.2 million more credits were generated than deficits, pushing the cumulative credit bank to over 20M credits and 3.6x greater than the average quarterly deficits generated in the prior year. This last metric is significant under the proposed amendments where an auto-acceleration mechanism (AAM) would be triggered under certain market conditions beginning in 2027.

Overall credit generation was up 9% from the previous quarter, driven by increases from the largest credit sources: renewable diesel (12% QoQ), electricity (10%), ethanol (20%), and renewable natural gas (4%). Nearly half of all credits came from bio-derived diesel which now makes up 60% of all diesel fuel consumed in the state.

Growth in credits from EV charging were driven by increases in residential credits awarded to utilities (11%), non-residential charging (17%), and heavy-duty fleet charging (19%). Credits from DC fast-chargers enrolled in the ZEV infrastructure crediting scheme fell by 4%. EVs continue to represent about one-quarter of all credits in the program. 

Oregon Clean Fuels Program Data and Rulemaking Workshop

Data for the Oregon Clean Fuels Program indicated a second straight quarter of net credit gains. In Q3, 686k credits were generated compared to just 624k deficits, a net gain of 62k credits. Last quarter saw a net gain of 81k credits, the largest quarterly increase since 2019. Following the trend in California, renewable diesel has quickly become the largest source of credits in the program, growing by 32% last quarter and 187% year-over-year.  Credits from electric forklifts were unchanged the previous two quarters after falling over 75% in Q1. 

On January 30, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) held a rulemaking workshop to outline potential changes to the CFP including expanding third-party verification requirements to electricity reporting. The rulemaking will not consider changes to carbon intensity targets which were last updated in 2022. Future workshops are expected March through June. 

CARB Postpones LCFS Hearing to Reconsider Reforms

Posted February 15th, 2024 by SRECTrade.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced yesterday that the March 21 public hearing to consider amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) will be postponed to a later date. CARB plans to hold a workshop sometime in mid-April to “enable additional discussion and re-evaluation of the carbon intensity benchmarks, including the proposed step-down and auto-acceleration mechanism, as well as more consideration of the proposed sustainability guardrails, among other topics.” The 45-day public comment period will still close on February 20. 

CARB’s postponement comes two weeks after the release of quarterly data which indicated the largest ever net credit surplus and as LCFS credit pricing surpasses multi-year lows.

CARB (Finally) Proposes LCFS Amendments

Posted December 19th, 2023 by SRECTrade.

On December 19, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) revealed their long-awaited proposal to update and extend the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Among the most significant changes: 

  • Increases 2030 carbon intensity (CI) targets from 20% to 30%, including a one-time 5% reduction of the CI benchmark in 2025
  • Extends CI reduction targets to 90% CI by 2045
  • Creates new auto-acceleration mechanism to help stabilize the credit market in the event of rapid decarbonization that outpaces deficits, beginning in 2028
  • Phases in some limitations to biomethane crediting
  • Reduces credits from eForklifts
  • Adds third-party verification requirement to electricity and other fuels
  • Expands ZEV infrastructure crediting for medium and heavy-duty charging

Staff published a Preliminary Draft Report, Regulatory Text, and nearly 12 total documents on its rulemaking page. These 500+ pages make for a good read over the holiday break.

What to Watch for Next

The agency indicated a formal regulatory notice will be issued in early January 2024, which kicks off a 45-day public comment period. The proposed regulations can then be adopted at a subsequent board meeting, potentially as early as March 21.

Check back here for more analysis on these proposed changes!

CA LCFS: 1.6M Net Credits in Q2

Posted October 31st, 2023 by SRECTrade.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) published Q2 2023 data for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) today. Consistent with trends dating back to 2021, low carbon fuel producers generated 1.6M more credits than deficits, pushing the cumulative credit bank to over 18M credits. 

Source: California Air Resources Board

Record Credit Generation

More credits were generated in Q2 (5.5M) than in any previous quarter of the program, led by increases from the largest credit sources: renewable diesel (14%), renewable natural gas (28%), and electricity (7%). Two key trends underpin the consistent growth in net credits: 54% of diesel sold in CA last quarter came from renewable feedstocks while the average carbon intensity (CI) of renewable natural gas fell to its lowest mark of -131 g/MJ. 

There was also a 50% increase in credits from alternative jet fuel (also referred to as sustainable aviation fuel) which still represents less than 1% of all credits. Meanwhile, there were modest declines in credits from ethanol (-11%), propane (-11%), and biodiesel (-5%).

Source: California Air Resources Board

EV Credits Rebound

Credits from EV charging bounced back from a quarterly decline in Q1, driven by increases in both light-duty (12%) and heavy-duty (11%) on-road EV charging. Residential EV charging still made up about half of all EV credits, ahead of forklifts (23%) and on-road EVs (18%). Credits from DC fast-charging infrastructure rose by about 12%. Overall, EVs are the second largest source of credits, representing about one-quarter of all credits in the program. 

Source: California Air Resources Board

Credit Prices Hover Above Six-Month Low

LCFS credit prices closed October around $68/credit, up slightly from six-month lows in September following CARB’s publication of a regulatory document which hinted at major program changes including the strengthening of CI targets and limitations on biomethane crediting. CARB is expected to publish its final proposal by December, which triggers a 45-day public comment period before the governing board can approve rule changes. 

Source: California Air Resources Board

Clean Fuels Market Update – May 2021

Posted June 2nd, 2021 by SRECTrade.

The May 2021 Clean Fuels Market Update covers everything you need to know about clean fuel programs across the nation. Some highlights of our quarterly newsletter:

  • Q4 2020 saw California LCFS credit generation outpace deficit generation, with the credit bank increasing 4.8% between Q3 2020 and Q4 2020. (Note: LCFS credits are issued on a delayed quarterly schedule; the most recent credit issuance was on April 1 for fuel consumption in Q42020)
  • Electricity as a fuel has been increasing in its market share, aside from the dip at the beginning of the pandemic in Q1 2020
  • Steady credit pricing for the California LCFS in Q1 2021, with some fluctuation in Q2 2021 as credit prices dipped as low as $173 between March and April, far from its historic highs of $202 per credit.
  • Oregon CFP now allows the use of renewable energy credits (RECs) to claim zero-carbon electricity
  • Washington state is the next state to adopt a clean fuels program, aiming to reduce transportation emissions by 20% by 2035, with 2017 as the baseline
  • Federal, state, and regional grant programs available in California and across the country as regulators push for the transition to zero-emission vehicles and equipment
  • Learn about Fast Charging Infrastructure (FCI) crediting and how LCFS credits can lower your capital expenditure in DCFCs
Screenshot of page 1 of LCFS market update.

City of Porterville Partners with SRECTrade to Accelerate Adoption of Zero-Emission Fleet

Posted April 7th, 2021 by SRECTrade.

City of Porterville, CA Accelerates Adoption of Zero-Emission Vehicles with Revenue from LCFS Credits Managed
and Monetized by SRECTrade

Rapidly Advancing Porterville’s Top Priority – Improved Air Quality

PORTERVILLE, CA, April 7, 2021 – The City of Porterville and SRECTrade today announced key milestones and plans to continue reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality for area residents. Porterville is rapidly electrifying its fleet and getting paid to do so by SRECTrade via the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program. In a region battling air pollution, the municipality has taken bold steps to deploy zero- and near zero-emissions fleet equipment by deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric buses, as well as light-duty charging stations that generated more than $65,000 of LCFS credits in 2020, and with higher post-COVID use could generate more than $100,000 in 2021.

As a visionary and early adopter of alternative fuels among municipalities, Porterville, located in the San Joaquin Valley, deployed its first CNG bus in 2010 and first electric bus in 2018. Porterville’s fleet today consists of 10 battery-electric buses, 12 battery-electric vans, 10 200kW DC Fast Chargers and six Level-2 public charging stations, with 14 additional DCFC stations under construction, that reduce total cost of ownership and enable quicker adoption, while also creating a healthier future for the community. By 2024 Porterville plans to convert its entire fleet to electric and provide more public-access charging infrastructure for residents.

“The key was taking those first steps – it was hard work, but more doable than anyone thought,” said Transit Manager Richard Tree. “A wealth of resources existed to help us move forward. Getting started quickly showed what was possible technologically and financially. We learned, adjusted, and kept moving forward.” Tree emphasized the advantage of engaging resource partners with the knowledge and capabilities required to help address the challenges encountered when planning, funding, deploying, and managing zero-emission transportation equipment and infrastructure.

These cleaner vehicles also save money. Electric fuel and maintenance costs have been reduced by about 80% and 75%, respectively. Grant and incentive programs such as the California LCFS program supported the city’s initial deployment while also providing an ongoing revenue stream and offsetting electricity costs. In the past year alone, the City of Porterville generated an average of $0.21/kWh from its electric fleet.

“The City of Porterville has demonstrated committed leadership in its drive to reduce carbon emissions. We’ve been happy to play our role on this very driven team,” noted Mike Saxton, SRECTrade Managing Director. “SRECTrade plugged in to manage and monetize LCFS credits generated by Porterville’s eligible equipment. The higher dollars we pay organizations directly support our mission to help fund continued deployment of zero-emission equipment.”

Porterville has set its sights on even bolder clean energy goals, exploring solar generation, energy storage, renewable electric vehicle chargers, and electric vehicle and charger programs that would help its residents make the switch to electric vehicles. SRECTrade will continue supporting the municipality through its expertise in environmental commodities and transparent reporting of the value being generated.

About City of Porterville

Porterville is a city in the San Joaquin Valley, in Tulare County, California. It is part of the Visalia-Porterville metropolitan area. Located between Fresno to the north and Bakersfield to the south, Porterville serves as a gateway to Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Kings Canyon National Park. The city has a population of nearly 60,000.

About SRECTrade, Inc.

SRECTrade provides trusted advice, management, and technology to maximize financial and environmental benefits of environmental commodities for the owners of clean transportation and renewable energy assets. We manage all credit generation and sale to get companies paid in compliance with complex regulatory programs. SRECTrade is the largest agent manager of EV assets for the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and has earned an annual client retention greater than 99% with more than 54,000 unique assets under management and more than 150,000 clean energy assets utilizing its proprietary technology platform. With presence across 10 regulated markets and 20 tradable products in North America, SRECTrade helps accelerate the adoption of clean energy and clean transportation equipment by minimizing the time, cost, and risk associated with realizing program benefits.

The press release can also be found HERE.

Understanding the Watts and Volts of the CA LCFS Program

Posted September 11th, 2020 by SRECTrade.

As part of the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32), which aims to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) established the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program in 2009. The current goal of the program is to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels in the state of California by 20% by 2030. Let’s take a closer look at the nuances of the program:

Regulator and Market Participants

  • Regulator: California Air Resources Board (CARB)
  • Credit Producers: Low carbon-intensive fuel producers & fleet operators (electricity, hydrogen, biofuel, etc.)
  • Deficit Producers: High carbon-intensive fuel producers & importers (diesel & gasoline)

With most low carbon liquid fuels, LCFS credits accrue to the fuel producer. However, for electricity and gaseous fuels, such as hydrogen, the LCFS credits accrue to the charging or fueling station owner. Fuel producers and fleet owners utilizing fuel that falls below the carbon intensity benchmark in that year generate LCFS credits. The volume of credits issued is based on the quantity of fuel produced or consumed and its carbon intensity. Conversely, participants that produce or import fuel above the carbon intensity standard are required to purchase LCFS credits to make up for their deficit. 

1 LCFS Credit = 1 MT (metric ton) of CO2 equivalent reduced

Eligible Vehicle Types

California vehicles that run on clean fuel (electricity, hydrogen, CNG) are eligible. This includes cars, buses, trucks, forklifts, rail, and more. For electricity as a fuel, in order to generate credits, fleet owners must own the charging infrastructure for their electric vehicles. 

Reporting Requirements – Electricity

For electricity as a fuel, fleet owners must have one of the following* to report energy consumption to CARB:

  1. Dedicated meters (separate utility bill)
  2. Submeters (with kWh readout)
  3. EV charger data monitoring

*Electric forklifts utilize a different methodology for reporting, and are able to utilize kWh calculations based on certain parameters.

Estimated Values per Vehicle Type

* Gross value before costs and fees. Assumes annual consumption of 50 MWh for Class 4-8 EVs and Buses and 10 MWh for Light Duty EVs and Forklifts. Also assumes Zero-CI electricity and a $200 LCFS credit price.

Generate Additional Value with RECs

The overall California energy mix has some carbon intensity associated with it, as the electricity is generated from a variety of resources. By virtually pairing your LCFS credits with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), participants can demonstrate to CARB that the energy utilized to power their electric fleet is renewable. This mechanism can be utilized even if the owner of the charging equipment does not have renewable energy on-site.

This sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?

The program is intended to act as an ongoing revenue stream that helps offset fueling costs and encourage further investment in clean fuel vehicles. For electricity, certain vehicle types have general spending requirements. 

How much are the credits worth?

The LCFS market is robust and growing, with plans to continue beyond 2030. Since the program is a market-based mechanism, LCFS credit prices fluctuate, but due to CARB’s compliance requirements and strong regulatory oversight, recent prices have remained relatively stable. Over the past year, LCFS credits have been valued between $190 – $200. There is a price cap set for LCFS credits and it is set at $200 (in 2016 dollars) and adjusted annually for inflation. The 2020 cap is $217.97 per credit.

How can SRECTrade help my business?

No matter your fleet size, we can help you generate additional value from your clean fleet. SRECTrade manages the entire administrative process on your behalf, from asset registration and reporting, to credit issuance and sales. We also provide an easy-to-use technology platform for you to easily view and keep track of your assets, credits, and transactions. Our strong understanding of the complexities of the market and ability to leverage our experience in the clean commodities space help you maximize your credit volume and price

Ready to start generating credits? Reach out to us at cleanfuels@srectrade.com or call us at (415) 763-7732 Ext 4.

California – State Senate Unable to Pass 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard Target

Posted September 2nd, 2010 by SRECTrade.

On August 31st, the California state senate was unable to vote on the country’s most aggressive renewable portfolio standard (RPS) program due to the session coming to at close at midnight. The bill, SB 722, which passed the state assembly, would have required California to produce 33% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Governor Schwarzenegger had made it clear he would not have signed the bill even if it passed the senate. The governor’s main concerns were that SB 722 did not allow for enough electricity to be imported from out of state. Additionally, the Governor wanted the bill to include a solution to streamline California’s siting and permitting process for renewable energy projects. Back in June, the Governor commented that he would not, “sign legislation mandating a higher requirement without ensuring that the necessary projects can be built.”

The two main arguments here have to do with developing a vibrant renewable energy market in the state of California while also maintaining competitive electricity pricing. Importing electricity from outside of California doesn’t help increase the number of in state jobs required to build the renewable energy projects needed to meet the 33% RPS target. On the other hand, allowing for greater amounts of electricity to come from out of state will increase competition and hopefully keep prices down, something to be mindful of considering the current economic environment in California.

While Governor Schwarzenegger signed an executive order to reach the 33% target, the order could be over turned by any future governor. Although SB 722 didn’t pass, the governor could call a special session of the legislature to pass the bill before the upcoming election. This could be the only chance for the ambitious 33% target as both California Governor candidate Meg Whitman and U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina are opposed to it.

Subscribe