QAP and RIN Pricing Outlooks

Topic Breakdown

July 19^th 11am CST – QAP and RIN Pricing Outlooks: As fuels become more advanced will QAP become a reality for more producers? We will discuss the key differences between the QAP program and the required RIN attest engagements and some alternative verification options to consider. In addition, we will review the benefits to enrolling in a QAP program, how it can be applied when you generate multiple types of RINs within your facility and who should be considering implementing a QAP program. Finally, we’ll take a look at the RIN markets and some high level expectations related to RIN pricing.

This webinar will be broken into three parts with a different speaker for each. The topics will be:

RIN Attest vs QAP

The RIN attest is required and the QAP is voluntary, beyond that what are the differences between these two types of verifications? Join us as we explore what procedures are unique to each of these engagements and what procedures are required on each and where rework cannot be avoided.

Applicability of QAP and its Benefits

QAP is a voluntary program which begs the all-important question, should I be considering a QAP program? We will discuss which types of producers are currently using the QAP, some key events that should trigger you to begin researching QAP programs, and the lead time to generating Q-RINs. In addition, we will walk through the benefits you can expect to see once you have chosen to begin a QAP program.

RIN Markets Outlook

Join us for an update on the overall RIN markets and what we can expect to see in the near future on various categories of RINs. In addition, we will discuss how Q-RINs are actually shaping up in the marketplace and who is getting a piece of the pie for advanced RIN premiums.

Speakers/Moderators

Below, you will find information about the speakers for each of the three parts of this session. Contact information will be provided at the end of the content part. There will also be room at the end for Q&A.

Kari Buttenhoff – Moderating the Session

Kari Buttenhoff is a manager and CPA with Christianson, PLLP, a full-service public accounting firm serving the renewable fuel industry for nearly three decades. Kari holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. Cloud State University and began with Christianson right out of college. Her first project with the firm was to research the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and she has been working with the firm in developing the RFS and various services that have been added in relation to the RFS since 2007. She remains active in traditional accounting and specializes in audit, review and consulting services for clients in agriculture and renewable fuels. She is currently the manager of Christianson’s Compliance Department, with special expertise in RIN consulting and attestation compliance, and other renewable fuel compliance programs.

Zach Hauser on “RIN Attest vs QAP”

Zach Hauser is a Senior Accountant at Christianson and specializes in audit, review and consulting services for clients in agriculture, renewable fuels and manufacturing, with special expertise in RIN attestation compliance.

Anita Maher-Lewis on “Applicability of QAP and its Benefits”

Ms. Maher-Lewis has more than 20 years’ experience as a technical professional in the environmental industry. At EcoEngineers, she is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Q-RIN Audit program, including meeting all applicable regulatory compliance requirements and delivering superior service to the client.

Ms. Maher-Lewis brings an understanding of all regulations and their interplay and routinely consults with clients to provide clarification and full compliance of their operations under the RFS program. She works closely with USEPA and CARB officials to cultivate and maintain a positive working relationship and thorough understanding of regulatory requirements. She oversees a team of compliance specialist who are responsible for day-to-day audit performance and for filing all program related requirements: quarterly and annual reports and attest engagement.

Ms. Maher-Lewis is focused on operational efficiency including performance measures systems improvement, software efficiencies, strategic staffing, and training & development of compliance specialists. She also leads special projects and regularly collaborates with the sales team to onboard new clients to ensure seamless execution or transition of the client’s project into the EcoEngineers project management system.

In her previous professional engagements, Ms. Maher-Lewis has provided environmental consulting services to private and public sector clients in underground storage tank services, water quality, watershed planning and assessment, Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) regulatory support in Iowa and Missouri. She has also performed storm water education and outreach in local municipalities and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)/nutrient standards regulatory support.

Ms. Maher-Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from South Dakota State University and has graduate training at the University of Minnesota in Microbiology, Bioreactors and Statistics. Additionally, she holds certifications as and Iowa Groundwater Professional, 40-Hour OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations, and as an Environmental Professional of Iowa.

Paul Niznik on “RIN Markets Outlook”

Paul Niznik is Argus Consultant Service’s expert on biofuels and RINs, based in Houston. Mr. Niznik is a consultant specializing in strategic planning and policy compliance, with a focus on biofuels, alternative fuel development and biofuel economics. His clients have been a broad cross section of refiners, biofuels producers, automakers, and government agencies impacted by alternative fuels markets and policies such as Chevron, Shell, UOP Honeywell, Petrobras, Toyota, GM, USDA, US DOE, and Phillips 66. He is an expert in RINs markets and renewable fuels policy compliance.
Mr. Niznik is a frequent presenter at industry conferences (AFPM, RNG Coalition, SIGMA) and is often cited by media (New York Times, NPR). He has served in leadership roles for Innovation Fuels and Stratas Advisors. Mr. Niznik has a bachelor of science degree in astrophysics from Yale university.

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QAP and RIN Pricing Outlooks