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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Counting Carbon - Opinion piece by S.A.V.E. Executive Director Matt Elsaesser

Every gallon we buy at the pump affects our environmental, economic, and national security. A significant percentage of our transportation fuel is shipped across oceans and supports unsavory regimes. All of it emits climate-harming carbon into the atmosphere. Our choice at the pump is neither simple, nor consequence free. Reducing these consequences starts with driving less, choosing fuel efficient cars and trucks, and selecting the right alternative fuels. When we select alternative fuels, it is vital that we see a full accounting of their environmental merit. This can best be done through Low Carbon Fuel (LCF) accounting as recommended by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee. LCF Accounting includes all "energy inputs and carbon outputs from production to consumption" in transportation fuel. In other words, policies regarding alternative fuels should promote increased efficiency and decreased carbon intensity.


LCF Accounting is the best way to determine which alternative fuels have environmental merit. It measures carbon emissions not just by what comes out of our exhaust pipe, but also the carbon produced over the lifetime of the fuel. LCF Accounting considers all the energy inputs of a fuel: extraction or growing, refining, and transportation to the pump. This accounting system tracks the indirect costs that we pay for fuel. A gallon of petroleum gasoline produced in Montana provides the same amount of useful energy as a gallon of petroleum derived gas from the Middle East. However, the Middle East gallon will have taken much more energy and emitted more carbon because of transportation. The resulting measurement gives us the "carbon intensity" of the fuel we are putting into our vehicles, telling us how much carbon was emitted to yield a set amount of energy at the pump.


The nation is looking for alternatives to gasoline. Recent reports regarding Hydrogen Fuel Cells have created much excitement. Liquid biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel have the potential to allow America to grow its own fuel, which in turn will reduce fuel costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on foreign nations for fuel. However, not all alternative fuels are created equal and many have unintended consequences. Corn-based ethanol requires energy from fossil fuels. In Asia, rainforests are destroyed to provide cropland for biodiesel made from palm oil, causing the loss of "carbon sinks" and biodiversity. Today, using electricity to produce hydrogen for fuel cells is less efficient than using the electricity directly in a standard electric car. LCF Accounting is a tool that can ascertain which alternative fuels being promoted are those with real environmental benefits.


LCF Accounting gives us a necessary baseline to understand the environmental impacts of our transportation fuel choices. It is a vital tool for citizens making choices at the pump and for policy makers looking to lower the carbon intensity of fuels. Fueling your car is not simple. The true costs are often hidden. Let's make it easier with Low Carbon Fuels Accounting.


[Learn more at S.A.V.E. Low Carbon Fuels Page]

Comment on the Climate Change Action Plan


Let the citizen voice be heard! The Environmental Quality Council is seeking public comment on the recommendations by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee. Which areas are important? You can fill out as much or as little of the survey as you want--all comments are counted. The Public Comment Survey is open until February 29th.


Thanks!

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation

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Monday, February 11, 2008

S.A.V.E. Green Drinks series starts this Wednesday at Taco del Sol in Helena

S.A.V.E. invites the Helena community to join us at Taco del Sol (Downtown Walking Mall, Helena) for a presentation and discussion on recycling lead by executive director Matt Elsaesser. Event will start at 7:30p.m. and is free and open to the public. Call 406.431.0815 for details.

Thanks

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation