Regulatory Compliance Services

A large industrial plant featuring extensive networks of pipes and machinery, showcasing its complex infrastructure.

We assist you throughout the entire regulatory lifecycle.

The low carbon economy is here. Helping producers, marketers, terminal operators, and obligated parties comply with state and federal regulatory mandates rules is what we do best. Christianson has decades of experience providing financial and technological support services to the ethanol and renewable fuels industries. Whether you need a little training, some savvy guidance, or a lot of heavy lifting, we are here to assist.

“At REG, we truly appreciate the partnership we’ve developed with Christianson CPAs & Consultants over the years. The team’s approach and response are both professional and top-notch. REG and our audit processes are better off for being partnered with the Christianson team”
Dave Simon, Director, Compliance Supply Chain Management, REG.

RFS Due Diligence Validations

Our specialized quarterly due diligence procedures enable renewable fuel producers to provide prospective buyers with confidence in their fuel’s eligibility for RIN generation. Our service is less invasive and more affordable than the EPA’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP). If you do participate in the QAP, our expert RIN attest team can still provide your annual attest engagement.

LCFS Validations and Verifications

Christianson was one of the first in the nation to be an accredited third-party verifier for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) regulations.

To obtain a certified carbon intensity (CI) score to ship into California, pathway registrants are required to complete a validation (audit) of the CI data. Additionally, pathway holders must track the previous two years of CI data and submit this information in an annual report to CARB. Upon completion of these calculations, the pathway registrant must complete a verification (audit) of the information. Additionally, the conflict-of-interest regulations for the pathway verification program are very stringent and include a 5-year lookback of previous services provided. We offer both verifications of annual reporting and validations of fuel pathway applications for reporting parties and pathway holders.

Quality Assurance Program (QAP)

Producers who are already registered with an approved pathway can generate QRINs under Christianson protocols. Our detailed, hands-on protocol is supported by a team of highly trained compliance auditors and in-house experts. We help clients take advantage of this program to provide assurance for their downstream partners. We can assist you in learning whether your company meets the EPA recordkeeping requirements, or for guidance on how to become compliant.

Current Pathways include

Biodiesel
Renewable Diesel
Renewable Heating Oil
D3 Ethanol

Tier 3 Sulfur Reporting:

This regulation now requires annual reporting and limits for oxygenate producers (including ethanol). Our experts are available to consult on data tracking and preparation of the report. Christianson offers a review of the annual report form GSF0402, prior to submission to the EPA to ensure your company’s compliance.

MRR Verifications

We have accreditation under the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Regulation (MRR) and are accredited as a Transactions Lead Verifier for fuel suppliers.

additional services

Registration

Unlocking all the benefits of biofuels requires you being registered with the right agencies in just the right way. Whether you are registering your facility with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or seeking financial assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), we can get you through the application process and help you avoid mistakes that often cause major headaches down the road.

Retainer-Based Consulting Services

Staying up to date on all regulations and best practices for your operation are ongoing responsibilities. We continue to develop new ways to match our decades of biofuels experience with the specific needs of each client.

Reporting

Even small oversights today can create big, unforeseen problems later. Let us help prepare quarterly and annual EMTS reports or provide you with a third-party review of your reports to ensure accuracy.

One-Time Staff Trainings

The learning curve associated with on-boarding new staff or bringing existing personnel up-to-speed with policy changes can be daunting. Christianson works with hundreds of fuel producers and deals daily with sophisticated applications of rules. We customize our training services to provide the solutions you seek.