Graduation Date
Fall 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Environmental Systems, option Energy, Technology, and Policy
Committee Chair Name
Kevin Fingerman
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Erin Kelly
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Sintana Vergara
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
LCFS, Biogas, Dairy and Livestock, Air Pollution, Methane, Emissions, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Environmental Policy, California, Agriculture, Livestock Methane
Subject Categories
Environmental Systems
Abstract
Accounting for more than half of California’s methane emissions, the dairy and livestock sector has become a central focus for the state’s emission reduction efforts. As a leader in climate policy, California’s approach to addressing agricultural methane emissions has the potential to shape the future of livestock agriculture on a national and global scale. The state has prioritized anaerobic digesters as the primary strategy for addressing livestock methane, a decision that has been both widely contested and strongly supported by stakeholders. This thesis investigates stakeholder perceptions on livestock biogas under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) using interview and survey methods to identify the environmental, social, and economic consequences of incentivizing widespread adoption of anaerobic digesters. Stakeholder interviews reveal a range of attitudes, with proponents emphasizing the role of anaerobic digesters in urgently reducing methane emissions and contributing to California's ambitious climate goals. However, concerns are raised about the potential for these incentives to exacerbate existing issues, such as environmental health burdens associated with large-scale livestock agriculture. It is important to consider a systemic approach to climate policy, one that not only supports technological solutions but also addresses broader structural challenges within the agriculture sector. Understanding stakeholder perspectives is essential when integrating technological solutions with policy developments, ensuring the creation of equitable and effective climate policy.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Read, Emily, "Analyzing Stakeholder Perceptions on Biogas Production Incentives Under California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard" (2024). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 814.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/814