Obama Introduces National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=48427

U.S. presidential-hopeful Senator Barack Obama, along with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, introduced legislation this week calling for a National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (NLCFS). The bill recognizes the steady growth of the U.S. renewable fuels market, including corn-based ethanol, cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel as key components in the fight against global warming.

The proposed National Low Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007 would require fuel refiners to reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of the transportation fuels sold in the U.S. by 5 percent in 2015 and 10 percent in 2020.

Because most biofuels have lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, the NLCFS is expected to expand the market for renewable fuels while incentivizing lower carbon emissions in their production. By one estimate, the NLCFS will create a market for over 40 billion gallons of biofuels by 2020.

"Expanding the renewable fuels market in the United States will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, revitalize our agricultural sector, and provide a sustainable means to combat global warming. A homegrown solution to the international climate crisis lies in America's fields and farms," said Senator Obama.

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