Clean Energy CEO Littlefair Speaks at Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Signing of Executive Order for Low Carbon Fuel Standard California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed an Executive Order establishing a new Low Carbon Fuel Standard (10% reduction in carbon content) for transportation fuels sold in California.  At the signing ceremony in Sacramento, Andrew J. Littlefair, Clean Energy President and CEO, spoke in support of the Governor’s action:

“Thank you, Governor Schwarzenegger, for your leadership on Global Warming and acknowledging the importance of making alternative fuels competitive in a petroleum-dominated marketplace.

“Californians, much like the rest of the country, are hungry for energy independence — not tomorrow, but TODAY.

“We, at Clean Energy, believe the world production of oil is near its peak — a condition that compels us to act proactively.

“Californians want affordable transportation solutions that will protect our air, maintain our economic prosperity and competitive edge, and assure a clean future for California and its children.

“Fortunately low carbon fuels — like natural gas — do just that:

•  Natural gas vehicles are available today; they are both reliable and proven.  In fact, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach intend to deploy over 5,300 clean natural gas trucks over the next five years to help mitigate port pollution impacts.

•  Unlike oil, 97 percent of the natural gas consumed in the US is domestically produced — making it a low-cost petroleum alternative priced as low as $1.89/gallon.

•  Natural gas vehicles provide near-zero emission benefits for smog and soot pollution and can provide a clear bridge to a renewable hydrogen future — strategies that are of increasing importance in combating air pollution.

•  Most importantly, natural gas is low in carbons, reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as 20 percent v/v a comparable gasoline or diesel vehicle.  In fact, biomethane from landfills, agricultural operations, and other natural sources can deliver even greater climate change benefits.

“For all of these reasons, we say BRAVO Governor Schwarzenegger for your leadership in recognizing the urgent need to create a “clean tech industry” in California through incentives. 

“These incentives will create jobs that will bring low carbon fuels to California’s marketplace and it all starts today with the Governor’s Executive Order.

“We think all alternative fuels — natural gas and biofuels — are needed to meet both California’s long-term transportation fuel needs and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

“We look forward to working with you to define ways to promote greater penetration of low-carbon alternative fuels in a carbon-rich transportation world.

“We, at Clean Energy, are prepared to do the hard work with you and your Administration (and the California Legislature) to ensure that the goals that you have set out to do are accomplished for a better California.”