The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) on May 10 submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to provide additional insight on how CARB’s proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) would impact the oilseed processing industry following a public workshop last month.
NOPA urged CARB to support the role of agriculture in diversifying the fuel supply, noting that CARB’s own analysis and remarks delivered at the April workshop recognize the many public health benefits of renewable fuels. NOPA’s comments reiterated the organization’s opposition to a cap on vegetable oils and support for a targeted, risk-based approach to sustainability requirements.
“NOPA strongly supports CARB’s findings that renewable diesel and biodiesel have a positive impact on both consumers, public health, and the environment. The data presented during the April workshop clearly underscores the importance of continuing to promote the use of biofuels as part of California's efforts to achieve its sustainability and air quality goals.
“NOPA urges CARB to maintain its opposition to imposing a cap on vegetable oil feedstocks. Such a measure could hinder the development and adoption of renewable fuels and limit the availability of low-carbon options for consumers.
“NOPA also encourages CARB to consider adopting a targeted risk-based approach to implementing sustainability criteria under the LCFS. By accurately assessing deforestation risk, leveraging existing sustainability frameworks, and implementing targeted measures for high-risk regions, CARB can achieve its environmental objectives while also supporting a sustainable and resilient biofuels industry,” wrote NOPA President and CEO Kailee Tkacz Buller.
The comments followfeedback submitted by NOPA in February 2024 in response to CARB’s proposed LCFS amendments.
Read NOPA’s public comments which were submitted to CARB May 10.