Happy Earth Day: How TZG Is Working To Move NJ Toward A Cleaner, Healthier Future

This Earth Day, we’re spotlighting the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), an initiative led by TZG’s Eric Orlando and Karlito Almeda to cut carbon emissions in the transportation sector, expand cleaner fuel options, and improve air quality in overburdened communities that need it the most.

The Problem

Transportation is New Jersey’s biggest source of all C02 emissions (around 48%).

More specifically, pollution from gas and diesel is directly linked to serious health issues like asthma and cancer, especially in overburdened communities. We currently don’t have any real choices other than gasoline and diesel.

The Solution: Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS)

The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) would help reduce harmful CO2 emissions by incentivizing fuel producers and fuel users to convert to cleaner fuels and technologies.

This policy helps drive the transition to cleaner options like electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

What is Clean Fuel?

A clean fuel in a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is measured by its Carbon Intensity (CI) score. A fuel’s CI score is calculated taking into account all the processes and energy sources involved in its production.

Clean fuels are made of sustainable materials such as forest waste, used cooking oil, grease, farm waste, and garbage. These fuels can also be made from vegetable oils and other carbon sources that are readily available to convert into clean fuels.

How It Works

Over time, a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) adjusts annually, taking into account the availability of cleaner fuels and state goals to improve air quality via the transportation sector.

Fuel producers and users already have several cleaner fuel options today, like renewable diesel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and hydrogen.

The Impact

• Cleaner air. Better fuel choices. Long-term public health benefits.

• If NJ adopts the policy, like other states and all of Canada, we could experience the same benefits and become a leader in improving the environmental and health impacts of the nation’s transportation sector without raising the price of fuel or causing fuel shortages.

About The Zita Group

The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.