Ethanol advocacy organizations challenging California’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) are disappointed with approval for implementation this week by the state’s Office of Administrative Law (OAL).

“Pursuing this strategy runs counter to the stated goals of Governor Schwarzenegger and the State Assembly to reduce carbon emissions from motor vehicles,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “As crafted, the LCFS would virtually eliminate domestic ethanol,the only viable low-carbon alternative to gasoline, from the California marketplace in favor of imported ethanol and futuristic fuel technologies such as hydrogen and the electric car.”

Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis commented that, “At a minimum, OAL should have sent the flawed regulation back to CARB, with direction they start over. As written, CARB is depriving Californians of the one low carbon, sustainable fuel available right now as an alternative to oil – and that is ethanol.”

Both groups and others filed suit last month challenging the LCFS on the grounds it violates both the Supremacy and Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.