California’s Controversial Biofuel Support: Environmental Groups Take Legal Action for a Greener Future

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Several environmental organizations are taking legal action against California’s air regulators. They argue that recent changes to a climate program did not adequately address the pollution linked to biofuels.

The focus of the lawsuits is the low-carbon fuel standard. This program aims to reduce the environmental impact of transportation fuels by encouraging producers to lower emissions.

A month ago, the California Air Resources Board decided to raise the state’s emission reduction goals. They also pledged to fund charging stations for electric vehicles and to phase out incentives that converted methane from dairy farms into fuel.

California is working toward carbon neutrality by 2045, meaning it aims to eliminate as many carbon emissions as it produces. Recent laws in the state have already begun to phase out new fossil-fuel powered cars, trucks, and even lawn equipment.

One of the lawsuits was filed by the nonprofit Communities for a Better Environment. They claim that the board did not properly assess the climate impacts of burning biofuels made from plants and animal waste.

Another lawsuit, brought by Food and Water Watch along with other groups, highlights the pollution concerns affecting low-income and Latino communities linked to methane capture from cow manure for fuel production.

Katherine Ramos from Communities for a Better Environment stated, “People living near California refineries are hurt by the increasing use of polluting biofuels.” She emphasized that the board failed to recognize the negative effects on these communities.

Critics argue that the low-carbon fuel standard has encouraged the production of harmful biofuels. They believe this practice competes with food production and contributes to deforestation. Many environmentalists are calling for more investment in charging stations for electric vehicles instead.

While the California Air Resources Board has not commented directly on the lawsuits, they maintain that the program is vital for tackling climate change and improving air quality. According to spokesperson Dave Clegern, the updates aim to draw investment into cleaner fuels and transportation options, helping the state meet its environmental goals.

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