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Environmental

Minnesota Delays Move to B10

Minnesota recently announced it was delaying a "non-Winter months" 10% Biodiesel blending requirement until it could resolve some implementation issues. 

http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/articles/8476/delaying-the-move-to-b10

Posted 2012-05-07

Straight from the IEA's Mouth

While we don't wish to engage in a game of "who's speculative projection is the best?", it's worth highlighting this quote from the International Energy Agency's "Transport, Energy, and CO2: Moving Towards Sustainability" report cited by the NRDC in today's blog post about our LCFS/Cap and Trade report. 

In a program with as many moving parts as the LCFS, there is clearly a lot of speculation that goes into projecting prices out into the future. However, it is imperative for end users of fuel that there is some understanding of how fuel policy design is going to impact them, even if that means presenting a range of possibilities. Because NRDC has critcized CEC's "Case 3" scenario, it would be helpful to produce a fuel price forecast of its own based on the methodology it proposed in its comments to the CEC on the 2011 IEPR. This way, a range of possible fuel price outcomes could be discussed, especially given the proprietary information from advanced biofuel producers NRDC is apparently privy to.  

Posted 2012-04-26

Large/Small Fleet GHG Rule Compliance Plans Due June/July

This is a reminder that option 2 large fleet (21+ 53ft or longer trailers) compliance plans for the Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measure (Smartway Rule) are due on 6/1/2012. Fleets must also have met their first 20% aerodynamic retrofit requirement by that date. 

Small Fleets (20 or fewer 53ft or longer trailers) must submit their compliance plans by 7/1/2012. Small fleets must meet their initial 25% aerodynamic retrofit requirement by 1/1/2014.

Both Large and Small Fleets that do not submit compliance plans must meet 100% of the aerodynamic retrofit requirements for 2010 and older model year trailers by 1/1/2013. All 2010 and older trailers must also install low rolling resistance tires by 1/1/2017.

Click here to report: https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/ssltrucrs/trucrs_reporting/reporting.php#content 

Posted 2012-04-26

Neste Oil Sells First Batch of BTL Advance Biofuel To US

Neste Oil sold its first batch of NExBTL renewable diesel to the US market

Neste Oil has recently supplied its first batch of NExBTL renewable diesel to the US market. The fuel, which qualifies as an advanced biofuel in the US, was produced at the company's Porvoo refinery in Finland from waste fats.

"We are very pleased to see that legislation on renewable fuels and our ability to meet the import regulations for these types of fuels are progressing in various markets. This enables us to participate and contribute to the greenhouse gas reduction efforts around the world," says Matti Lehmus, Neste Oil's Executive Vice President, Oil Products and Renewables.

"Our entry into the US renewable fuel market is an important milestone for us, as the US represents a major market for premium-quality biofuels. We are also proud of our contribution to the US Renewable Fuel Standard. The RFS regulation enables and encourages the reduction of greenhouse gases and diversification of the US fuel supply. NExBTL renewable diesel is an ideal low-carbon fuel for the US market as it is completely fungible with the existing extensive infrastructure - and is accepted within the existing refinery and pipeline distribution system. 

"In addition to the US, we have also expanded our customer base in Europe as well, opening up new opportunities for NExBTL sales as we go forward," continues Lehmus.

Neste Oil's sales of renewable fuels this year have grown as expected, according to the company's Interim Report published today. Neste Oil sold 305,000 tons of NExBTL renewable diesel to several dozens of customers in over ten countries during the first quarter of 2012.

Neste Oil has a long history of supplying premium-quality, low-emission petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel and base oils, to North America.

"We look forward to continued participation by helping US refiners and blenders meet their renewable volume obligation with our NExBTL renewable diesel."

Neste Oil Corporation

Hanna Maula
Director, Corporate Communications

Posted 2012-04-26

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Contact:

Questions about the Environmental Policy Committee? Contact Chris Shimoda at cshimoda@caltrux.org or the CTA Help Desk.

Environmental Policy Issue Links:

The Truck Stop (ARB's Diesel Truck Regulatory Homepage

US Department of Energy's Petroleum Use Reduction Calculator

Become a Smartway Carrier: Save Money and Help the Environment

Upcoming CARB Deadlines

6/1/2012: Deadline to submit Large Fleet Compliance Plan (21 or more 53+ft trailers) and meet 20% aerodynamic retrofit requirement for Tractor-Trailer GHG Rule (Smartway Rule)
7/1/2012: Deadline to submit Small Fleet Compliance Plan (20 or fewer 53+ft trailers) for Tractor-Trailer GHG Rule (Smartway Rule)
9/1/2012: Deadline to order equipment to qualify for Truck and Bus Rule compliance extension in event of manufacturer delay. 
12/31/2012: MY05-06 Drayage Trucks Must Install Level 3 VDECS.
12/31/2012: MY05 TRUs must meet ULETRU Standard