Biomass Week - August 7, 2019

Groups call on EPA to open RFS to biomass power during hearing The EPA held a hearing July 31 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to gather public input on its proposed rule to set 2020 RVOs and the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel under the RFS. Representatives from a wide range of biofuel groups testified at the event. READ MORE SHARE
Sununu vetoes bill to support New Hampshire's 6 biomass plants New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed a bill Aug. 5 that aimed to support operations at the state’s six biomass power plants and avoid a protracted legal flight over a biomass reform law that was enacted in 2018. READ MORE SHARE
	Oregon governor signs RNG bill Oregon Gov. Kate Brown recently signed SB 98 into law. The bill sets voluntary renewable natural gas (RNG) goals for the state’s natural gas utilities, creating a path for RNG to become an increasing part of Oregon’s energy supply. READ MORE SHARE
Smithfield Foods injects RNG into Missouri natural gas pipeline Smithfield Foods Inc. has announced that construction of a low-pressure natural gas transmission line connecting a Smithfield hog farm located in Northern Missouri with the city of Milan’s natural gas pipeline has been completed. READ MORE SHARE
Report: EU demand for wood pellets continues to grow A recent report filed with the USDA FAS's GAIN predicts the EU market for wood pellets will likely grow this year but cautions future expansions could be limited by sustainability requirements introduced by individual member states. READ MORE SHARE
UK to develop standards for bioplastic, seeks public input The U.K. government recently opened a public consultation that aims to aid in the development of standards for biodegradable, compostable and biobased plastics. The consultation in open through Oct. 14. READ MORE SHARE
Engie to build, operate 29 MW biomass heating plant in Spain Engie announced July 24 it has been awarded a contract to construct and operate a new biomass heating plant in Pamplona, Spain, that will supply heat to 4,500 homes and several public buildings. READ MORE SHARE
Coalition seeks court action forcing EPA to account for SREs An agriculture and biofuels coalition has filed a petition asking the court to lift a stay it placed on joint petition filed in 2018 that urged the EPA to revise its RFS regulations for setting annual RVOs to account for retroactively issued SREs. READ MORE SHARE
Neste hosts foundation stone ceremony for Singapore expansion Neste held a foundation stone ceremony July 31 to officially mark the expansion project at its Singapore refinery that will add 1.3 million tons of annual of renewable product capacity to the site. Construction on the project is already underway. READ MORE SHARE
Sierra Energy closes on $33 million in funding Sierra Energy Corp. announced July 29 that it has closed a $33 million series A investment round. The funding will help the company further develop and commercialize its FastOx gasification technology, which converts waste into renewable energy. READ MORE SHARE