SACRAMENTO, Calif.
A group of environmental organizations is taking legal action against California air regulators after they updated a controversial climate initiative. These groups argue that the new measures fail to consider the pollution effects of biofuels.
Lawsuits Targeting Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
The lawsuits are directed at California’s low-carbon fuel standard, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of transportation fuels by encouraging producers to lower emissions. Recently, the California Air Resources Board decided to enhance the state’s emission reduction goals, invest in charging stations for zero-emission vehicles, and gradually remove incentives for converting methane from dairy farms into fuel.
California’s Ambitious Climate Goals
As a leader in climate policy, California aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2045, meaning it will balance out the carbon emissions it produces with those it removes. The state has also implemented policies to gradually eliminate the sale of new vehicles, machinery, and equipment powered by fossil fuels.
Legal Challenges
One lawsuit, filed by the nonprofit Communities for a Better Environment, claims that the board didn’t thoroughly assess the climate impact of burning biofuels made from plants and animal waste. Another lawsuit, brought by Food and Water Watch, Central Valley Defenders of Clean Air and Water, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund, highlights the pollution concerns affecting low-income and Latino communities caused by converting methane from cow manure into fuel.
Community Concerns
According to Katherine Ramos, a program director at Communities for a Better Environment, "People who live near refineries in California suffer from the rapid expansion of polluting biofuels." She added that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) failed to evaluate the harmful effects on these communities.
Environmentalists’ Perspective
Critics of the low-carbon fuel standard argue that the program has led to increased production of polluting biofuels, which they claim compete with food production and contribute to deforestation. They urge California to focus more on expanding the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles.
Agency’s Response
While the agency did not comment directly on the lawsuits, it emphasized the importance of the program in fighting climate change and enhancing air quality.
Dave Clegern, a spokesperson for the board, stated, "The amendments direct investments from the private sector at all levels towards cleaner fuels and transportation options, speeding up the development of zero-emission infrastructure, and ensuring the state meets its air quality and climate goals."
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Austin is a member of the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a nonprofit program that places journalists in local newsrooms to cover underreported issues. Follow Austin on Twitter: @sophieadanna
