Suggested Citation:
Sperling, Daniel and Sonia Yeh (2010) Toward a Global Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Transport Policy 17 (1), 47 - 49

A new policy instrument, known as a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), is a promising approach to decarbonize transportation fuels. An LCFS has several important features: it applies a lifecycle carbon intensity standard, incorporates market mechanisms by allowing credit trading and targets all transport fuels. A harmonized international framework is needed that builds on newly enacted LCFS policies adopted in California and the European Union.

Keywords: performance standard, lifecycle emissions, biofuels, alternative fuels