Current Methods for Life-Cycle Analyses of Low-Carbon Transportation Fuels in the United States (Climate Change) - Softcover

National Academies Of Sciences, Engineering, And Medicine; Division On Engineering And Physical Sciences; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Board On Energy And Environmental Systems; Board On Agriculture And Natural Resources; Board On Environmental Studies And Toxicology; Committee On Current Methods For Life Cycle Analyses Of Low-Carbon Transportation Fuels In The United States

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0309273935 ISBN 13: 9780309273930

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2022

Synopsis

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with petroleum accounting for 90 percent of transportation fuels. Policymakers encounter a range of questions as they consider low-carbon fuel standards to reduce emissions, including total emissions released from production to use of a fuel or the potential consequences of a policy. Life-cycle assessment is an essential tool for addressing these questions. This report provides researchers and practitioners with a toolkit for applying life-cycle assessment to estimate greenhouse gas emissions, including identification of the best approach to use for a stated policy goal, how to reduce uncertainty and variability through verification and certification, and the core assumptions that can be applied to various fuel types. Policymakers should still use a tailored approach for each fuel type, given that petroleum-based ground, air, and marine transportation fuels necessitate different considerations than alternative fuels including biofuels, hydrogen, and electricity. Ultimately, life-cycle assessments should clearly document what assumptions and methods are used to ensure transparency.

Edition details

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309273935
• ISBN 13: 9780309273930
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 236