A recently released study from Argonne National Laboratory shows that gasoline and diesel refined from Canadian oil sands have a higher carbon impact than fuels derived from conventional domestic crude sources. 

Michael Wang, a leading expert on fuel cycle analysis, stated in Argonne’s press release, “This information will be important for industry and policy makers as they chart a path forward to meet the fuel demands of the U.S., while minimizing the environmental impact of that fuel.” 

This study is the most in-depth research ever conducted on the carbon impacts of Canadian oil sands. It was conducted with funding from the Bioenergy Technologies Office in collaboration with Stanford University and the University of California, Davis. Argonne is working to help characterize the environmental impacts of all types of transportation fuels, in addition to biofuels. 

Argonne National Laboratory is one of eleven Energy Department national laboratories that receive funding from the Bioenergy Technologies Office to conduct work in bioenergy. BETO manages other work on greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts as part of its commitment to bioenergy sustainability