Comparison of "Advanced" biofuel cost estimates: Trends during rollout of low carbon fuel policies

•Federal policy goals for low cost carbon transport fuels, commercialization not met.•Nontraditional biofuels’ levelized plantgate production cost estimates compared.•Average production cost estimates ranged $3.25-$4.00 per gasoline gallon equivalent.•Production cost estimates up for later publication years due to feedstock and capex.•Hydrotreated renewable diesel may outpace low carbon sourcing with current policies.