Full Fuel Cycle Assessment: Well to Wheels Energy Inputs, Emissions and Water Impacts

As mandated by Assembly Bill 1007, this study assesses the energy inputs, greenhouse gas emissions, criteria pollutant emissions, air toxics emissions, and multimedia impacts from the production and use of a variety of conventional and alternative fuels that are considered options for on-road vehicle and off-road equipment applications in California on a full fuel cycle basis through 2030 to determine their "net material" impact. Seventeen different vehicle/fuel combinations with more than 50 fuel productionpathways are evaluated. Possible uses of the results of the analysis are identified. Criteria pollutant emission calculations are determined for vehicle operation and emissions within California. Total global greenhouse gas emissions are quantified. The results are presented in three separate volumes. The fuel cycle, or "well-to-tank," impacts evaluate feedstock production, processing, fuel production, and fuel delivery. Vehicle energy use, or "tank-to-wheels," emissions were analyzed separately. The fuel cycle and vehicle impacts were combined and results are reported on a "well-to-wheels" basis in this report. The approach to the full fuel cycle analysis and the key assumptions are discussed. Results are presented for well-to-wheels emissions for selected feedstock/fuel/vehicle cases. Emissions associated with the production or decommissioning of facilities or vehicles are not in the scope of this project. The executive summary highlights the findings of the three-volume set that present the assumptions, method, and results of the full fuel cycle analysis prepared to support the development of the alternative transportation fuels plan as directed by AB 1007.