Biomass Week - December 5, 2018

EPA finalizes 2019 RFS RVOs, fails to address waiver, eRIN issues On Nov. 30, the U.S. EPA released a final rule to set 2019 RVOs under the RFS. When compared to the proposed rule, the final rule increases the RVOs for cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel. READ MORE SHARE
EPA opens comment periods on residential wood heater proposals On Nov. 30, the U.S. EPA published its recently announced proposed rule to amend new source performance standards (NSPS) for residential wood heaters in the Federal Register, officially opening a 45-day comment period. READ MORE SHARE
	Hearing scheduled on bill to sunset RFS, enact octane standard A house subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing Dec. 11 on the recently released discussion draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act. The bill aims to sunset the Renewable Fuels Standard and enact a national octane specification. READ MORE SHARE
USDA rule to help speed development of infrastructure projects The USDA is taking action to allow agency administrators additional flexibility to obligate federal funds associated with certain infrastructure projects, including those associated with several of its rural development programs. READ MORE SHARE
Biomass UK calls CCUS action plan ‘a strong step forward’ On Nov. 28, the U.K. government released an action plan that aims to enable the development of the nation’s first carbon capture, usage and storage project. Biomass U.K., an affiliate of the U.K. REA, has spoken out in support of the action plan. READ MORE SHARE
Pinnacle begins pellet production at new British Columbia plant Pinnacle Renewable Holdings Inc. announced Nov. 27 that it has commenced initial pellet production at its new production facility in Smithers, British Columbia, which is owned 70 percent by Pinnacle and 30 percent by West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. READ MORE SHARE
ENplus launches its revision process The European Pellet Council, governing body of the ENplus certification for wood pellets, has announced the launch of a revision process for the scheme’s procedures and requirements. It is the third revision in the scheme's history. READ MORE SHARE
Lockheed Martin invests in Forge Hydrocarbons Forge Hydrocarbons Corp. has received a $4 million investment from Lockheed Martin that will allow the company to further development of its lipid-to-hydrocarbon technology and to construct a first-of-kind, commercial plant. READ MORE SHARE
Dalhousie University opens biomass energy plant Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus has its sights set on being completely carbon neutral—a goal highlighted at the opening of the new biomass energy plant, which celebrated its grand opening Nov. 20. READ MORE SHARE
Drax takes action to cut shipping supply chain emissions Drax has partnered with Smart Green Shipping Alliance, Ultrabulk, and Humphreys Yacht Design to tackle the issue of CO2 emissions from the shipping industry. A feasibility study will examine the potential to use Fastrig technology on Ultrabulk ships. READ MORE SHARE