California OAL Flags Key Concerns for Biomass-Based Diesel

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) outlined its decision to reject amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). OAL’s decision document identified a number of potentially substantive issues that could impact the success of biomass-based diesel in the state including:

• Indirect land use change (ILUC) values
• New fuel pathway applications
• Sustainability certification systems
• Specified feedstock attestations

OAL initially notified the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on Feb. 18 that recent amendments to the LCFS failed to meet state legal standards under Government Code section 11349 (c) for clarity. CARB is required to resubmit revised regulations that address OAL’s concerns within 120 days of its receipt of the Decision of Disapproval of Regulatory Action. OAL then has 30 working days to take action on the updated regulation.

Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Director of State Governmental Affairs, said there will be an opportunity to voice the industry’s concerns during a 15-day public comment period if one is triggered.

“Clean Fuels Alliance America will collaborate closely with its members to draft comments that ensure the latest science guides clear, effective regulations supporting the success of crop-based biodiesel and renewable diesel without unnecessary barriers.”

Contact: Heather Buechter, 479-651-7301, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org

ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America’s clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.