CALSTART
Issue 4 Winter-Spring 2014
Information Technology Solutions Clean Technologies and Fuels Summary
engine and powertrain efficiency improvements; aerodynamics; weight reduction; improved tire rolling resistance; hybridization; automatic engine shutdown; and accessory improvements (water pumps, fans, auxiliary power units, air conditioning, etc.).
FUNDING AND REGULATORY TRENDS FEDERAL POLICY: MAKING PROGRESS THROUGH EXECUTIVE ACTION ON STANDARDS FOR FUEL EFFICIENCY, RENEWABLE FUEL, AND EMISSIONS
EPA Proposes Reduction in Renewable Fuel Standards for 2014
EPA and DOT Developing Next Phase of Fuel Efficiency Standards for MDVs, HDVs
The EPA has also proposed a reduction in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014.2 Specifically, EPA is proposing a total renewable fuel target of 15.21 billion gallons; the final 2013 overall volumes and standards require 16.55 billion gallons; the original target as specified in the Clean Air Act (CAA) is 18.15 billion gallons. EPA is setting the cellulosic biofuel target at 17 million gallons—significantly lower than the CAA target of 1.75 billion gallons—but an increase from the 6.0 million gallons specified for 2013. This reflects EPA’s current estimate of the amount of cellulosic biofuel that will actually be produced in 2014.
President Obama has directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and to issue the next phase of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards by March 2016.1 This second round of fuel efficiency standards will build on the Phase 1 standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (model years 2014 through 2018) issued in 2011. Under the Phase 1 program, trucks and buses built in 2014 through 2018 will reduce oil consumption by a projected 530 million barrels and greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution by approximately 270 million metric tons. To develop the Phase 2 standards, EPA and DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will work with stakeholders to explore further opportunities for fuel consumption and emissions reductions beyond the model year 2018 timeframe as well as with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with the goal of ensuring that the next phase of standards allow manufacturers to continue to build a single national fleet. The second round of fuel efficiency standards is intended to spur manufacturing innovation and lead to the adoption of new fuel-efficient technologies on trucks and semi-trailers. In developing the standards, EPA and NHTSA will assess advanced technologies that may not currently be in production, including
Proposed 2014 Percentage Standards Original CAA
Volume1 Category
(million gallons US)
Cellulosic biofuel Biomass-based diesel Advanced biofuel Total renewable fuels 1
volumes (Million gallons US)
17
0.010%
1,750
1,280
1.16%
≥1,000
2,200
1.33%
3,750
15,210
9.2%
18,150
All volumes are ethanol-equivalent except for biomass diesel, which is
actual. Environmental Protection Agency
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For More Information:
% of US fuel
Whitney Pitkanen, Senior Project Manager wpitkanen@calstart.org 626.744.5600