Pursuit of a low-carbon fuel standard could be better for the environment, but worse for personal finances if it plays out according to a recent study sponsored by the Consumer Energy Alliance, a coalition of fuel users and producers. Initially, projects the study, gas prices would jump to $5 a gallon, then $7.50 five years later. The increase is tied to the use of expensive alternative fuels as well as the reduction in petroleum used to produce fuels. Such a scenario would force people to seek out more fuel-efficient vehicles and limit their driving. Organizations like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) fear that the trucking industry would receive the hardest blow. The study examined fuel prices, but did not give any specifics on diesel projections.

A new study has found that nationwide adoption of a low-carbon fuel standard would increase the retail cost of motor fuel by as much as 170% over a 10-year period.

“Any way you slice the data, the future projected by this study is a frightening one — higher fuel prices, fewer jobs and lower consumer purchasing power,” said Michael Whatley, vice president of Consumer Energy Alliance, a coalition of fuel users and producers that sponsored the study.

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