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California Biodiesel Alliance News

California's Biodiesel Industry Trade Association  

  

October 2016     

In This Issue
    

We are very happy to announce that registration is now open for CBA's Sixth Annual California Biodiesel Conference -  THRIVE! The conference will be held on March 1, 2017 at the Capitol Ballroom in Sacramento and again be co-located with CALSTART's Clean, Low Carbon Fuels Summit, which will take place February 27-28.

In important news, ARB has expanded and delayed its LCFS rulemaking, and we bring you a report on that process. 

Hot off the press! We are pleased to bring you NBB's announcement of Donnell Rehagen as their new CEO. NBB's letter to Congress on the tax incentive is included as well, and we ask that you talk to your member of Congress now if you haven't done so! The NBB's November 30th DC Fly-In will focus on urging support for extending and restructuring the credit as a production incentive.

In addition to an update on Canada moving forward on its low-carbon programs, the industry and policy sections below have news about  Crimson Renewable Energy's  completed expansion and key federal and state updates, including blurbs on the big court victory for Minnesota and great news for bioheat in NYC .
   
Note: You are receiving this newsletter because your company/organization or individual membership is current or you are a Partner Sponsor. We are also making this complete version of the newsletter available to state agency staff who have signed up to receive our newsletters. Our Members Only webpage is now available to you using the password 2006 - the year CBA was founded. 
  
 
Back Issues of this newsletter are available in the Archives on our Members Only webpage. 
    

CBA Presents the Sixth Annual 
  All New Conf Logo
T H R I V E !
 
March 1, 2017 -- Capitol Ballroom, Sacramento 
 

 -- CBA Corporate Members who join or renew membership in CBA for 2017 will receive the Comp Code for 1-3 free conference registrations (depending on their membership level benefit).
 
 -- CBA Individual Members who join or renew membership in CBA for 2017 will receive the Discount Code to attend the conference for $295.
   
See our Join Us page for details!

CBA's bold restructuring of membership and development of a Sponsor Partner program are shaping a new dynamic for our growing industry - which has been at the epicenter of our state's world-leading carbon transportation policy solution, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), since its inception.  
 
Our industry's strong leadership in spearheading the biofuels charge for state recognition and funding commensurate with our sector's contributions  - and partnering with labor and environmental groups -  in legislative action, has shed increasing light on the value we bring. We are helping the state safeguard and fulfill not just its carbon reduction goals, but its increasingly important commitment to bringing the related health and economic benefits to disadvantaged communities.

The recent passage of SB 32, which requires GHG emissions reductions of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, is a huge game changer for the state and beyond, and biofuels will play a major role!
 
Join us at CBA's Sixth Annual California Biodiesel Conference to learn about risk management strategies from the experts, see how low biodiesel's CI scores can go, join in conversation with the best writers in the business, get updates on critical state, regional, and federal developments, and much more!
 
ARB Delays LCFS Mandatory Verification Rulemaking by One Year
Expands Rulemaking to Include Post-2020 Targets

Biodiesel Webinar to be Held Early Next year
 
Cal/EPa Building
California Air Resources Board (ARB)  staff held a public workshop on October 24, 2016 to explain the scope of a revised and expanded rulemaking that would combine the agency's LCFS mandatory verification rulemaking with the development of post-2020 targets necessitated by the passage of SB 32 (Pavley) and AB 197 (Garcia), which require GHG emissions reductions of 40% below 1990 emissions by 2030. Staff presented a proposed timeframe and public meeting schedule, asked for feedback from industry on that timing, and reviewed their new mandatory third-party verification white paper.
 
First, staff presented an update on their LCFS pathway processing through Q3 2016. Of the 434 applications submitted, 254 have been certified, with 50 biodiesel and renewable diesel pathways being certified out of a total of 120 submitted.
 
The revised rulemaking includes a one-year delay in the development of the agency's mandatory LCFS Verification Program, which has been underway with three workshops held this year. Staff said that this delay would be beneficial by allowing for a more thorough review of valuable stakeholder input already submitted. In addition to this and post-2020 CI targets, ARB's list of other possible amendments in this rulemaking includes updating the OPGEE and GREET models, alt jet fuel as a credit generator, and other improvements presented earlier in the year. The rule, once approved, is scheduled to become effective January 1, 2019.
 
Next month, the agency will publish a proposed schedule for the next year's process, which will include quarterly public workshops and fuel-specific webinars. Workshops will focus on major program-related topics. Webinars will follow the release of an ARB discussion paper that details the "verification requirements and related changes to pathway application and evaluation (CI determination), and reporting." The biodiesel webinar will be held early next year.
 
Regarding efforts so far on ARB's previously proposed Verification Program, staff reported stakeholder feedback supporting their plan for third-party verification in general; requests that ARB provide more fuel-specific guidance related to error risk and detailed audit requirements; and for ARB to research both efficiencies from harmonization with existing verification and certification programs and cost-reducing strategies.
 
ARB's white paper on the Verification Program includes program terminology that details the core concepts, including that ARB act as the accrediting body. The program scope, which entails required site visits to verify credits generated and CIs and the verification of reported fuel quantities by fuel pathway code, is included. A chart entitled "Potential General LCFS Verification Requirements Based on CI Complexity" presents likely scenarios based on tier.
 
The white paper lists additional considerations, including harmonization considerations for credit-generating fuels with both U.S. EPA QAP and EU RED and harmonization considerations for deficit-generating fuels with the CARB MRR program.
 
This daunting list of next steps is excerpted from ARB's presentation for the day's meeting:
 
"*ARB staff are reviewing pathway QAPs under the RFS program to identify
*audit sampling that would be common under both programs
*additional audit sampling that may be needed under LCFS
*Help to address unique error risks present in individual alternative fuel supply chains
*Clarify differences and similarities between lifecycle GHG accounting in LCFS vs. EU RED, QAP
*Identify appropriate verification of alternative fuels that generate small quantities of credits"
 
In public comments, the biodiesel industry has called for a program exactly like the EPA's QAP. ARB staff mentioned at the meeting that they would research what would be involved with starting with that QAP and then adding LCFS on top of it.
 
ARB believes that low carbon fuels will play a key role in achieving the goals of SB 32, which are now part of the 2030 GHG Scoping Plan, and encouraged stakeholders to get involved directly in this process. The process includes efforts to use their new Biofuel Supply Module (BSM) to understand how much GHG reduction is possible with biofuels.
 
CBA and the National Biodiesel Board are coordinating on all aspects of our industry's engagement in this expanded rulemaking and involving national experts.
 
For more information on the Scoping Plan and the BSM: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/meetings/meetings.htm.
 
The LCFS meetings page has ARB's verification white paper and the presentation for the October 24th meeting: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm#06022016
 
 
(Special Article by NBB: CBA Gold Partner Sponsor) 
Donnell Rehagen Named as National Biodiesel Board Chief Executive

NBB logo


Donnell RehagenOct 31, 2016

(JEFFERSON CITY) - The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today named Donnell Rehagen as the trade group's chief executive. Rehagen was named interim CEO in June after serving 12 years as NBB's chief operating officer.

"We couldn't be more excited to elevate Donnell to the permanent position of CEO," said NBB Chairman Ron Marr. 

"His detailed knowledge of our organization and deep understanding of our industry certainly leads to a smooth transition. But the main reason we have asked him to take on this position is his proven ability to think strategically about our issues and apply creative solutions that lead to success."

As COO, Rehagen managed the implementation and execution of NBB's budget and the day-to-day responsibility of managing the organization's program managers, staff and contractors. Additionally, Rehagen has led the annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, NBB's signature event that attracts thousands of enthusiasts to learn more about biodiesel and for industry professionals to network with their peers.

Prior to joining NBB in 2004, Rehagen was the fleet administrator for the Missouri Department of Transportation where he was responsible for all aspects of the department's $400 million fleet including implementation of their biodiesel (B20) use program. 

"Donnell will be just the fourth chief executive to lead NBB in our nearly 25 years as the country's largest trade association representing the biodiesel industry," Marr said. "It's that kind of stability in our leadership and our commitment to providing our membership the tools to be successful that has helped make biodiesel a 2 billion-gallon-per-year industry."

Rehagen said he is excited for the opportunity take on new responsibilities to help the industry meet current challenges and prepare for more growth ahead.

"I have a passion for this industry," Rehagen said. "I'm proud to be a part of the team that has helped lead biodiesel's growth to become the first advanced biofuel to reach full commercialization, but I also recognize the challenges we face. It is incumbent upon us as an organization to define and manage a path that ensures we continue the industry's ascent."

The 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard's volume requirements are expected to be announced by the end of the month and Rehagen said he's hopeful the EPA will recognize the national benefits that will be realized by increasing biodiesel's requirement to 2.5 billion gallons.

Additionally, Rehagen said he will immediately continue the task he began as interim CEO of helping to coordinate members' visits to Capitol Hill at the end of November. NBB is pressing Congress to provide a long-term extension of the biodiesel tax incentive and convert it from a blender's credit to a producer's credit to keep the focus on domestic production.

Chairman Marr also thanked the Governing Board's search committee who led the search effort that attracted nearly 300 applicants.

"We had no shortage of qualified candidates. This was no easy task. But when our decision was made, it was exciting to look around the room and have everyone agree that we could not have found a more outstanding leader for our organization," Marr said.

Jon Leafstedt and Gary Weihs, managing partners with Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food, agribusiness, and renewables sectors, conducted a rigorous national CEO search for the NBB and assisted in evaluating a strong slate of well-qualified CEO candidates. 

Donnell has a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Southwest Missouri State University.
He was born and raised in Jefferson City, where he and his wife Shelly have raised four children of their own. They are also the proud grandparents of two young grandsons.

What others are saying about Rehagen's appointment to chief executive...

"I am very pleased that NBB has identified a strong and qualified leader for our key industry organization. I think highly of Donnell and believe he will do a great job as NBB's next CEO. NBB has been the foundation to support a strong and robust biomass based diesel market, and under Donnell's leadership will remain key to maintaining growth opportunities for America's advanced biofuel."
Chad Stone, Chief Financial Officer
Renewable Energy Group, Inc.

"All of us at the American Soybean Association congratulate Donnell on his selection as CEO of NBB.  We've worked closely with Donnell in his previous role, and now we look forward to working closely with him in his new role to continue to expand biodiesel opportunities!" 
Stephen L. Censky, CEO
American Soybean Association

"I would like to congratulate Donnell Rehagen on his selection as the new CEO of the National Biodiesel Board.  At this critical time for the biodiesel industry it is important to have someone at the head of our organization who has a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of biodiesel and is ready to hit the ground running.  After a rigorous selection process, I am convinced that Donnell is the right person to assume this role.  I look forward to working with him to create a positive future for our industry."
Bob Morton
Newport Biodiesel, LLC

"I am thrilled with the announcement of Donnell Rehagen being named CEO of the National Biodiesel Board.  Donnell has a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the biodiesel industry, and will lead our commitment to excellence in expanding America's first advanced biofuel's growth and usage throughout our nation.  I have known and worked with Donnell for over ten years.  He will meet both the opportunities and challenges of our industry with expertise, wisdom, and integrity."
Greg Anderson
Nebraska Soybean Board

"ADM's involvement with the National Biodiesel Board goes back many years. Biodiesel was first developed to provide value to America's farmers through utilization of an ever-expanding vegetable oil supply and, in part due to the support and efforts of the NBB, we've witnessed the growth of biodiesel from a fledgling industry to a respected, reliable contributor to America's renewable, clean fuel sector. I am excited to be a part of the leadership team as we embark on this next chapter of the NBB's story. After a thorough search, including many impressive and qualified candidates, the skill, talent and expertise of the NBB team has been validated with the selection of Donnell as the next CEO. Donnell's expertise and leadership will help guide the NBB, as Biodiesel's premier trade association, to the next level of success."
Kent Engelbrecht, Trade Manager - Biodiesel
Archer Daniels Midland

"The National Biodiesel Board is unique in both its diversity and effectiveness. Donnell has the skills that will be instrumental to maintain the continued success of this growing industry while effectively meeting our diverse members' needs. Our extensive nationwide search revealed we have the best talent and expertise right inside NBB. I am all the more impressed with our team and look forward to seeing where Donnell will take this talented group and what's ahead for America's Advanced Biofuel and our trade association."
Jennifer Case, CEO
New Leaf Biofuel, LLC

"Donnell Rehagan possesses the experience, leadership skills, and ambition to take the National Biodiesel Board to a new level. He has proven that at NBB time and again in his role as COO over the past 12 years. I am proud to stand by his side as we move the biodiesel industry into its next chapter."
Tim Keaveney
Lake Erie Biofuels dba HERO BX

"The Governing Board was extremely pleased with the quantity and quality of the applications for the CEO position.  The NBB's solid reputation and history of successes for biodiesel attracted many top notch candidates.  In the end, Donnell's proven record of success at NBB made the difference in the final selection.  His deep knowledge of the participants and process in the growth of the biodiesel market means that NBB will continue its success."
Ron Heck
Iowa Soybean Association

"Congratulations and best wishes to Donnell in his new position as CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. As past Governing Board Chairman and Chair of the Finance and Marketing Committees, over the last decade I have had the opportunity to work closely with Donnell in almost every aspect of the NBB organization. Donnell is passionate about biodiesel, committed to NBB (including its dedicated staff and members), and has a clear vision for the industry. He is professional, a coalition builder and focused on the growth of the biodiesel industry while being pragmatic on good business practices. We are all anxiously looking forward to working with Donnell to continue the unique growth and acceptance of biodiesel in the future."
Steven J. Levy, Managing Director
Sprague Operating Resources LLC

"The National Biodiesel Board has played a key role to coordinate shared industry interests for the common good. Donnell's skill set is the perfect match to continue the exceptional history of collaboration and cooperation that has built the biodiesel industry into what it is today. I am thrilled to see what is around the next corner with Donnell at the helm."
Robert Stobaugh
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board

"Donnell is focused on honest and fair dealing and effective and economic advancement of the mission. His interchanges are clear, direct and insightful. Donnell responds quickly, makes a decision and then executes. He is the perfect choice to lead the biodiesel industry in the future. He understands the needs of biodiesel customers, works for solutions and will no doubt effectively navigate any challenges we might face."
John Huber, President
National Oilheat Research Alliance

"We are looking forward to working with Donnell and his team on continuing the success our industry has had these last several years. We feel very confident that Donnell's leadership will pave the way for future growth for our organization."  
Steve Nogel
Ag Environmental Products

"Donnell Rehagen has been the 'man behind the scenes' of the National Biodiesel Board for 12 years and done a great job.  His organizational skills and internal leadership have played a very significant role in the success of NBB.  I am confident his leadership as the CEO of The National Biodiesel Board will bring future growth and success for the organization and our industry."
Amy Sigg Davis, Vice President/Sales Manager
Sibcy Cline, Inc. and Affiliated Companies

" I have had the pleasure of working frequently with Donnell Rehagen and in my opinion Donnell has been integral in helping our association and our industry chart a number of successful activities to promote and expand biodiesel."
Michael Ferrante, President
Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association

 
 
(NBB)
NBB Sends Letter to Congress Urging Action on Biodiesel Tax Incentive

Policy stability critical to growth of Advanced Biofuels

Oct 27, 2016

WASHINGTON - The National Biodiesel Board sent a letter to House and Senate tax committee leaders urging extension of the biodiesel tax incentive before it expires on December 31st. The letter was sent on behalf of U.S. biodiesel producers nationwide.

"We strongly urge you to extend the biodiesel tax credit and take this opportunity to make a simple, common-sense reform by focusing the credit on U.S. production," said Donnell Rehagen, Interim NBB CEO in the letter. "Legislation pending before Congress - S. 3188 and H.R. 5240 - would accomplish these objectives by extending the incentive through 2019 and changing it from a blender's credit to a domestic producer's credit. The legislation has strong support from American biodiesel producers and strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate - reflected last year when a similar proposal passed the Senate Finance Committee."

The growth of the U.S. biodiesel industry in recent years is paying tremendous dividends in reducing emissions, strengthening our energy security, generating competition in the diesel sector and creating jobs and economic activity in every state in the nation. The biodiesel industry supports nearly 48,000 jobs and $1.9 billion in wages across the country.

"Many biodiesel producers who are now poised to expand and hire would likely cut jobs and production. Congress can avoid this with a long-term extension giving producers the policy stability they need to plan for the future."

U.S. biodiesel producers have more than 1.5 billion gallons of unused production capacity that stands ready to be utilized under the right policy framework. Mobilizing that capacity would create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. Additionally, reforming the incentive would save the Treasury some $90 million as imports are reduced and domestic production rises, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

Under the current "blender's" structure of the incentive, foreign biodiesel imported to the U.S. and blended with petroleum diesel in the U.S. is eligible for the tax incentive. Increasingly, foreign biodiesel producers are taking advantage of the U.S. incentive by shipping their product here. In 2015 alone, some 670 million gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel was imported to the U.S., making up nearly a third of the U.S. market.

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as soybean oil, recycled cooking oil, and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines. It is the first and only commercial-scale fuel produced across the U.S. to meet the EPA's definition as an Advanced Biofuel - meaning the EPA has determined that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent when compared with petroleum diesel. Americans used nearly 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel last year.

NBB is the U.S. trade association representing the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries, including producers, feedstock suppliers, and fuel distributors.
                                                                     
(DOMESTIC FUEL)
Canada Adopts Carbon Pricing Strategy

October 4, 2016


By Joanna Schroeder

Canada has announced a carbon pricing strategy on emissions that takes effect in 2018 with a $10 per ton rate. The fees rise to $10 per ton per year until they are capped out at $50 per ton by 2022. As part of the legislation, provinces and territorial governments can select from two carbon pricing systems: carbon tax or cap and trade, and have the ability to use the carbon revenues as they choose. Advanced Biofuels Canada commended the policy but has cautioned that a well-designed national carbon price system will address economic distortions between provinces and territories and allow Canada to use border adjustments to maintain competitiveness with our international trading partners.

Ian Thomson (President, Advanced Biofuels Canada) said there are cleaner transportation fuel option today including low carbon advanced biofuels as well as electric, hydrogen and renewable natural gas vehicles.

"The Trudeau government's decision to place a uniform national price on carbon is an important step to reducing transportation sector emissions," said Ian Thomson, President of Advanced Biofuels Canada. "An effective carbon price system must put a visible price on the lifecycle carbon emissions of all fuels to support the transition to cleaner transportation fuel choices. Nascent carbon pricing systems in BC (carbon tax) and Quebec (cap & trade) have room for improvement, and all Canadian markets should adopt a common approach to maintain level economic conditions."
The organization is also calling on governments to adopt firm regulatory measures to assure that not only real carbon reductions are achieved, but to ensure these low-carbon fuels are available to consumers.

"Advanced Biofuels Canada has recommended that Canadian governments adopt a Clean Fuels Strategy to combine firm action on carbon pricing, flexible low carbon fuels regulation, and strategic cleantech investment to leverage Canada's natural resources and demonstrate leadership on transport emissions." Thomson concluded, "This approach will ensure that Canada benefits from the economic growth in the low carbon economy and meets its carbon reduction commitments."

CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY NEWS
Vials of Biodiesel    Beautiful oil   Vials of Biodiesel


Benefits of Operation Include Jobs, Boost to Local Economy and Improved Air Quality Equivalent to 55,000 Cars Taken Off the Road

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2016) - The recent expansion of Crimson Renewable Energy's ultra-low carbon biodiesel production facility leads to a tripling of production and puts Kern County on the map as California's leading producer of Advanced Biofuels, company officials announced today at an event unveiling the newly revamped facility.

At today's ceremony, the company showcased its expanded facility, which serves as a model for how renewable fuel production in California is creating green jobs, supporting the local economy, reducing greenhouse gases, and improving California's air quality.

"We are thrilled to be in the forefront of the green energy economy," said Harry Simpson, the company's president and CEO. "With our expanded plant, Crimson is playing a major role in meeting the state's growing demand for advanced biofuels and helping California achieve its carbon reduction and clean air goals while making a large positive contribution to the state's economy."

Crimson recently completed a multi-million dollar plant upgrade that was partially funded by a matching grant from the California Energy Commission's Alternative Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The upgrades included expansion of steam and other existing systems as well as the installation of new second generation systems, which will enable the plant reduce unit energy consumption and water consumption by 10-15%. The plant is now ramping up to its new full production level of 24 million gallons annually of ultra-low carbon biodiesel fuel made entirely from used cooking oils and other inedible raw materials, he said.

"Our current production level generates carbon reductions that are equivalent to taking 43,000 cars off California roads and as we ramp up, this will be like removing 55,500 cars," he said. "The success of our facility is a prime example of why it is critical for the public and state's policymakers to continue supporting the development of renewable transportation fuels, particularly ultra-low carbon advanced biofuels."

A number of top state and local officials attended today's event and toured the facility. "Transitioning to cleaner, low carbon fuels is a key component for California to achieve our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, improve our air quality and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels," said Commissioner Janea A. Scott of the California Energy Commission.

"The Energy Commission is pleased to invest in projects like Crimson Renewable Energy's biofuels project that will produce some 24 million gallons of low carbon fuel annually."

High-ranking officials from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) were also on hand to participate in the event.

"The advanced biofuels being developed right here in Kern County clearly demonstrate the viability and promise of California's emissions reduction program," said Dean Florez, a CARB board member. 

"The expansion of Crimson's operation is not only an example of green business growth, but it also shows how the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and other policies are effectively addressing climate change and protecting public health by improving air quality in a very tangible way."

---------
 
NBB: Young Scientists: Apply for Scholarship to National Biodiesel Conference & Expo
 
Applications from tomorrow's energy leaders accepted until Nov. 18

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - College science students interested in learning about all aspects of the biodiesel industry can apply for a travel scholarship to attend the  National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, Jan. 16 - 19 in San Diego. The application process is open for members of the  Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel for scholarships, and to present a poster on their research or outreach activities.

Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel is an NBB program intended to foster professional relationships between budding and established scientists, share accurate information and increase collaboration with academia and the biodiesel industry.

Student opportunities include a poster session and breakout session to present their research, a preconference biodiesel educational overview and a mentoring lunch with prominent biodiesel scientists.

Last year, more than 30 students attended the event from schools including Colorado State University, Clemson University, Yale University and the University of Missouri.

Many of the students, who came from a wide range of disciplines, noted the impact the event made on them.

"The biggest change on my views of biodiesel after attending the conference was in my understanding of what makes biodiesel sustainable," said Jesse Mayer, a biochemistry major at the University of Nevada-Reno. "Now I'm always sure to stress the minimal impact biodiesel has on food production in lab meetings and in other interactions with colleagues."

Mayer is now one of four student co-chairs of the program.

The  National Biodiesel Board, the  United Soybean Board and the  National Biodiesel Foundation sponsor the scholarships, which amount to a $600 travel reimbursement. Apply by Nov. 18 at  biodiesel.org/ngsb/.

____________  

BIOFUELS INTERNATIONAL: European Farmers Stress Biodiesel Role in Agriculture and Transport Decarbonisation Post-2020 
 
Posted October 14, 2016

The European Oilseed Alliance (EOA), the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), and the Vegetable Oil and Protein Meal Industry stress the importance of sustainable energy sources in the low-carbon economy post-2020.

The organisation held on Wednesday a dinner debate in the European Parliament, during which panellists from all backgrounds discussed the role of sustainable biodiesel in the future European bioeconomy.

The event allowed EU stakeholders and policy-makers to share Californian experiences through the participation of Stephen Kaffka from the University of California.

Kaffka explained the policy environment in California and highlighted that the work done by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on ILUC has been incremental in developing incentive policies for biodiesel.

"The study carried out by the CARB found that rapeseed biodiesel has a low ILUC impact, classifying it among the best biofuels. It has hence been the basis for an alternative fuel policy that encourages innovation and relies on consistent and publicly transparent methods. As a result, biodiesel will play an increasingly larger role in helping California achieve its transportation GHG reduction goals in the next several years," Kaffka said.

Opening the discussions, MEP Françoise GrossetĂȘte, VP of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, brought up the challenges that the EU biodiesel producers and farmers are facing following the European Commission's (EC) announcement of a gradual phase-out of crop-based biofuels.

"The long-term stability of the regulatory and policy framework is essential to secure the investments that were made in the European biodiesel sector - whose development was encouraged by the European legislator - and for promoting the development of advanced technologies", she said.

European farmers also expressed their serious concerns over the proposed phasing out of first generation biofuels.

The European biodiesel production was developed mainly on mandatory set-aside lands, which has allowed to significantly reduce the EU protein deficit and to guarantee an income for farmers, while producing ILUC-free biodiesel.

As such, Yves Madre, co-founder of the think tank FarmEurope, underlined that the large majority of the biodiesel produced from European feedstocks has not had any ILUC emissions.

"European feedstock-sourced biodiesel induces the production of 7 million tonnes of additional protein feed materials annually, thus reducing feed imports and attributing an ILUC credit to biodiesel", he pointed out.

The EC is assessing the different options for the post-2020 energy package, expected to be published on 7 December.


STATE AND FEDERAL
REGULATORY AND POLICY ISSUE UPDATES  


CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (ARB)
 CAP & TRADE AUCTION PROCEEDS ALLOCATED THROUGH THE STATE'S GGRF
   

CBA has learned from follow-up conversations with ARB staff that the agency will not be using any funds for instate production incentives in the  Fiscal Year 2016-17 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation and Fuels Investments and the Air Quality Improvement Program. This is based on their understanding that the language adopted by the legislature in the bill detailing how GGRF funds would be spend does not allows for it. CBA continues our work to secure funding through Cap and Trade auction proceeds, and we will bring you updates as our effort develop for the next legislative session. 


CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (ARB) 
ALTERNATIVE DIESEL FUEL REGULATION (ADF)

The ADF regulation, which became effective January 1, 2016, includes reporting and recordkeeping requirements applicable to entities in the biodiesel industry. Biodiesel producers, importers and blenders must submit quarterly reports.  Biodiesel producers, importers and blenders are required to report and keep records concerning biodiesel production, sales, and blending. Biodiesel distributors and retailers are only required to keep records. 
 
Find the current FAQ and Reporting Forms at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/adf/adfdocs.htm. 
The presentation for the ARB May 23rd, 2016 public workshop, which has detailed diagrams, is here:  http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/diesel/altdiesel/meetings/meetings.htm. 


NOTE: Most in-state biodiesel fuel businesses are required to register under the Air Resources Board's Motor Vehicle Fuel Distributor program (MVDP). See the article on our Members Only page.
 
 
CALIFORNIA RESOURCES BOARD ( ARB)
LOW CARBON FUEL STANDARD (LCFS)

See article above.
   
 
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION (CEC)
ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUEL AND VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (ARFVTP) 


CBA continues its participation on the CEC's ARFVTP Advisory Committee, including this month's meeting to provide input into the development of the 2017-18 Investment Plan Update. Public comments, due by November 10, are being drafted.

Program info is available here:  http://www.energy.ca.gov/altfuels/ .


CDFA'S DIVISION OF MEASUREMENT STANDARDS (DMS)

There is no update this month. See the Members Only webpage for background and information on compliance issues. 


STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD: UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK ISSUES 
 
There is no update this month. See the Members Only webpage for background and information on compliance issues.   

__________

FEDERAL UPDATES 
 
Please contact the Washington office of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) at  202-737-8801  for questions on federal policy issues. Click on the NBB  Fueling Action  logo for detailed information.  
 
NBB Fueling Action Logo
     
 
Federal Tax Incentive

See article above.

Minnesota Biodiesel Mandate Stands

In Late September, a United States District Court dismissed in its entirety a suit by the trucking industry against Minnesota's B10 mandate (scheduled to become a B20 mandate in 2018), ruling on one key count that not only does it not conflict with the RFS, it actually enhances it. The NBB, the Minnesota Biodiesel Council, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and the Iowa Biodiesel Board were defendant-intervenors in the case. Plaintiffs have 30 days to appeal.   

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Signs Bioheat Bill

Currently at 2 percent, the volume of biodiesel in heating oil sold in the city will rise to 5 percent next October, to 10 percent In 2025, and to 20 percent by 2034 under the law signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio. Councilmember Costa Constantinides led the fight for this major piece of legislation, which passed with a huge show of support: 47-to-3.  

US EPA: Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)

The EPA is on target to Issue its final RFS volumes by the November 30th deadline. The agency has sent its final RFS 2017 standard and biomass-based diesel volume for 2018 to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). After this last interagency review step, EPA will finalize and release the standards to the public. During this time, NBB will continue to make the case for stronger Biomass-based Diesel and Advanced Biofuel volumes in coordinated meetings between NBB staff, members of the RVO Working Group, and the Obama Administration.   
   
US EPA: Proposed Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) Rule 
 
Early this month, EPA released its proposal for the REGS Rule, which includes many changes, clarifications and technical corrections to the RFS regulation and other fuels regulations aimed at enhancing the use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector. According to the NBB, "A key part of the REGS Rule is addressing "biointermediates" processed at one facility for use in the production of renewable fuels at another facility to allow those fuels to qualify under the existing fuel pathways. The proposal also purports to address some of the issues NBB has raised with EPA for some time. EPA will accept public comments on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. NBB is reviewing the proposed changes and has begun to work with the NBB regulatory committee to submit comments on behalf of the biodiesel industry. EPA is also looking to hold a public hearing on the proposal in early December. Once it has finalized the details, EPA will issue a notice in the Federal Register. A summary of the REGS Rule can be read on EPA's website,  here."   
 
Thank you for your engagement and support of CBA and for your time and effort on behalf of our industry. I look forward to continuing to work with you.
 

Best,
Celia DuBose
Executive Director
California Biodiesel Alliance (CBA)