Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is becoming an increasingly hot topic in the renewable fuels industry, especially as companies progress with construction of on-site carbon capture facilities. The energy industry is in the midst of a global decarbonization transformation as companies of all sizes pursue new opportunities such as CCS as a viable option to achieve their carbon reduction goals. With economic incentives like 45Q and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifying CCS as key to mitigating the impacts of climate change, the soaring demand for CCS shows no signs of slowing down. North America is currently the global leader, accounting for 50% of all active CCS projects with 16 commercial facilities currently Read More...
Ask the Experts – Low Carbon Markets
Ask The Experts Segment On March 2nd, 2022, Joel Gratz, Managing Partner here at Christianson, and Kari Buttenhoff, Partner, joined Bill Dean on KWLM during the "Ask the Experts" segment. This month, Joel, Kari, and Bill took a minute to chat a little about Low Carbon Markets. Listen Here! Read More...
E15 is a Win-Win for Minnesota
While partisan divisions continue to dominate the debate about our nation’s energy future, legislators in St. Paul are considering a proposal that can unite our state behind a clean, homegrown energy opportunity. By incentivizing fuel stations to offer higher blends of biofuels and expanded E15 sales, Minnesota can fuel a more prosperous and sustainable future. When drivers fill their vehicles at the pump, they usually purchase 10 percent ethanol blends. By standardizing 15 percent blends, drivers can save three to ten cents more per gallon. At a time where our state’s economy will need recovery from the pandemic, Minnesotans are looking for relief wherever it may come. The money saved at the pump will help fuel other aspects of the Read More...
Do You Have the Right California Low Carbon Fuel Standards Team?
In the first quarter of 2021, the Compliance Department at Christianson saw a slew of new validations for the CA Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) come across our desks. We also heard from many existing LCFS participants who were unsure of their reporting requirements under the new LCFS regulation. Having the right team is crucial to successful compliance. Do you have your LCFS compliance requirements covered? This team roster will ensure you do. 1. Staff – the most successful participants have made LCFS compliance part of their company culture. Training is provided so staff know their respective roles and responsibilities. To manage this, a smart participant will have a manager/CFO to oversee the program and a technical Read More...
RFS Compliance and Attestation Reporting Deadlines Reminder
In January, Christianson sent out a summary of the US EPA’s proposed compliance deadline extensions for the Renewable Fuels Standard. The final rule was released on April 1. While EPA decided to extend the deadlines for obligated parties and small refineries, it declined to move the deadlines for RIN producers and RIN owners. If you are registered as a RIN producer or owner it will be business as usual with your Q4 quarterly report submissions (which were due Mar. 31, 2021) and annual attest reports due June 1, 2021. Please reach out to our experts if you have further questions or if you need to engage us for your 2020 attest. For more information visit the EPA’s RFS Deadline Extensions webpage. Start planning for your three-year RFS Read More...
USDA Advanced Biofuel Payment Program
Jan. 13, 2020 The USDA Advanced Biofuel Payment Program is now open for Fiscal Year 2019 and 2020. Its goal is to increase US energy independence by increasing the supply of renewable energy in the public sector. Applications must be received by the individual state offices by 4:30pm local time by February 18, 2020 for both FY 2019 + 2020. This means time is short! The USDA is strongly advising applicants to conduct research and avail themselves of training before submitting their applications. Christianson PLLP can assist all types of biofuel producers with their applications and requests for quarterly payments. Applications & Eligibility Any entity that produces and sells advanced biofuel in its final form in the US is eligible Read More...