Apply for LCFS Fuel Pathway
A fuel pathway carbon intensity (CI) consists of the sum of the greenhouse gases emitted throughout each stage of a fuel's production and use, also known as the "well-to-wheels" or "life cycle" analysis for the fuel. CI is expressed as the amount of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions per unit of fuel energy in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule (gCO2e/MJ). CIs include the direct effects of producing and using this fuel, as well as indirect effects that may be associated with how the fuel affects other products and markets. This page illustrate the application processes for Lookup Table, Tier 1 and Tier 2 pathways, and includes a number of application checklists.
Applications are submitted through the Alternative Fuels Portal (AFP). See the AFP User Guide at LCFS Guidance Documents, User Guides, and FAQs for additional information.
Lookup Table Pathway Applications
Many Lookup Table pathways do not require an application the the AFP. Entities seeking to report fuel transactions for CARBOB, Diesel, Compressed Natural Gas, Propane, California Average Grid Electricity, and Smart Charging/Smart Electrolysis may register directly in the LRT-CBTS without registering in the AFP.
Entities seeking approval to report fuel transactions using the Lookup Table fuel pathways for zero-CI electricity and hydrogen (section 95488.1(b)(2)(A) through (F)) must submit the fuel pathway application attestation letter and the documentation listed in the Application Checklists.
Lookup Table Application
See below for guidance on applying for zero-CI electricity and all hydrogen Lookup Table pathways:
Tier 1 Pathway Application and Certification Process
Tier 1 Applications
Tier 1 pathway applications require the submission of a discrete set of inputs in order to calculate the carbon intensity. Applications submitted from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 are not subject to third-party validation requirements. Applicants must submit documentation to substantiate Simplified CI Calculator inputs to CARB during that period. CARB staff typically request for each yellow data field, three months of summary data from the applicant's monitoring system, and one month of source records, such as bills of lading and invoices.
Applicants will provide these records to a CARB-accredited verifier as part of mandatory validation or verification. For more information, visit LCFS Verification.
Tier 2 Pathway Application and Certification Process
Tier 2 Applications
Tier 2 applications do not have a complete set of predetermined site-specific input fields. Refer to section 95488.7(a) in the LCFS Regulation for all application requirements. For guidance on submitting Tier 2 electricity pathways, refer to Electricity and Hydrogen Provisions and Application Checklist for Tier 2 Electricity.
Applicants will provide these records to a CARB-accredited verifier as part of mandatory validation or verification. For more information, visit LCFS Verification.