RNG NEWS
Gov. Brown Signs Food Recovery Bill Seen as Model for Other States
By Cole Rosengren, Waste Dive.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1219, the California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, into law on Oct. 9. The act expands existing state liability protections to cover donations made directly to end users, whereas the previous law only covered donations made to food banks or non-profit groups. AB 1219 was co-sponsored by Californians Against Waste and the California Association of Food Banks.
By Cole Rosengren, Waste Dive.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1219, the California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, into law on Oct. 9. The act expands existing state liability protections to cover donations made directly to end users, whereas the previous law only covered donations made to food banks or non-profit groups. AB 1219 was co-sponsored by Californians Against Waste and the California Association of Food Banks.
Another key change made by AB 1219 is that donations of perishable or nonperishable food will now be protected if deemed "fit for human consumption," regardless of whether those items have exceeded their recommended date labels.
Californians Against Waste also sponsored AB 954, which is still awaiting Brown's signature. That bill would direct the California Department of Food & Agriculture, in coordination with the Department of Public Health, to publish information about date label standards by July 2018. Manufacturers, processors and retailers would be asked to voluntarily begin using "BEST if Used by” or “BEST if Used or Frozen by” to indicate quality dates, and “USE by” or “USE by or Freeze by” to indicate safety dates.
States take initiative on energy policy while gridlock remains in Washington
By Energize Weekly.
Energy policy, legislation and initiatives are alive and bipartisan in the state houses across the country even as they are bogged down in the nation’s capital, according to the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University.
More than 12,500 energy bills were introduced in state legislatures between 2013 and 2016, with 1,926 passing, according to the center’s Advanced Energy Legislation Tracker. In 2017, 3,046 bills have already been introduced with 350 passing.
By Energize Weekly.
Energy policy, legislation and initiatives are alive and bipartisan in the state houses across the country even as they are bogged down in the nation’s capital, according to the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University.
More than 12,500 energy bills were introduced in state legislatures between 2013 and 2016, with 1,926 passing, according to the center’s Advanced Energy Legislation Tracker. In 2017, 3,046 bills have already been introduced with 350 passing.
“If you look at the combination of what is happening in blue and red and purple states, there is far more happening than is happening at the federal level,” Bill Ritter, the center’s director and former governor of Colorado, told Energize Weekly in a wide-ranging interview.
“We track every piece of legislation introduced at the state level until it dies or becomes law,” Ritter said. “What is so interesting, so different from what is happening in the United States Congress and the Trump administration is that there is a real bipartisan flavor to what is happening at the state level.”
New SWANA President Jeff Murray takes over for FY18
By Cole Rosengren, Waste Dive.
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) formally announced that Jeff Murray has taken over as president of the organization for FY18. Murray was elected at the ISWA World Congress & WASTECON in Baltimore on Sept. 26.
By Cole Rosengren, Waste Dive.
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) formally announced that Jeff Murray has taken over as president of the organization for FY18. Murray was elected at the ISWA World Congress & WASTECON in Baltimore on Sept. 26.
Murray is an associate and the solid waste section manager for HDR in Raleigh, NC. He is a registered professional engineer in North Carolina, Delaware and Virginia, and is certified by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. He also received that organization's Grand Prize Award for the development of a "Landfill Based Geothermal Heating System" in 2013.
In addition to Murray, SWANA's other officers now include Rich Allen as past president, Frank Caponi as vice president, Michael Greenberg as treasurer, and Brenda Haney as secretary.
Poll: San Pedro Bay Residents Support an Accelerated Clean Air Action Plan, Favor Taking Action Now
By Samantha Mehlinger, Assistant Editor, Long Beach Business Journal.
In a poll of 400 “likely voters” in Long Beach, San Pedro and Wilmington, more than 70% reported that they were supportive of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan draft update. The policy document lays out proposed regulations and goals for converting trucks and equipment to near-zero and zero emission technology.
By Samantha Mehlinger, Assistant Editor, Long Beach Business Journal.
In a poll of 400 “likely voters” in Long Beach, San Pedro and Wilmington, more than 70% reported that they were supportive of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan draft update. The policy document lays out proposed regulations and goals for converting trucks and equipment to near-zero and zero emission technology.
Funded by the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, the phone poll was conducted from August 15 to 17 by Los Angeles-based research firm Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3). Those polled were selected at random, and the margin of error is 4.9% in either direction, according to the survey results.
The draft Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) would require that all trucks entering the ports meet a near-zero emission standard by 2023 and a zero-emission standard by 2035 or face a fee. It also would require cargo handling equipment to operate at zero emissions by 2030. The Long Beach and Los Angeles harbor commissions are scheduled to vote on a final version of the document on November 2.
A 90% majority of those surveyed supported the overall zero-emissions goal of 2035. Only 6% opposed the proposal, with 4% unsure.
An 84% majority supported creating guidelines beyond what state and federal regulations require.
US DOE's Argonne National Lab updates biofuel & RNG feedstocks in new AFLEET Tool version
A newly updated version of the AFLEET Tool from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory is now available. AFLEET — short for Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation Tool.
The AFLEET Tool is ideally suited to aid those who make purchasing decisions for fleets as they compare vehicle technologies for emission reductions and air quality gains. This new version adds the ability to look at air pollutant emissions from well-to-wheel as it lets users evaluate not just “at-the-tailpipe” air pollutants, but also those arising from fuel production.
On October 10, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Argonne National Labs has completed its GREET 2017 model and associated updates to the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool.
This new version adds the ability to look at air pollutant emissions from well-to-wheel as it lets users evaluate not just “at-the-tailpipe” air pollutants, but also those arising from fuel production.
New AFLEET Tool Features include:
- Idle Reduction Calculator
- Low-NOx engine option for CNG and LNG heavy-duty vehicles
- Diesel in-use emissions multiplier sensitivity case
- Well-to-pump air pollutants
- Vehicle cycle petroleum use, GHGs, and air pollutants
- Renewable diesel vehicles
- Electric commercial trucks
- Updated biofuel and RNG feedstocks
View the AFLEET Tool updates and download the latest version HERE.
Read more on the GREET model updates HERE, and download the new GREET model HERE.
Proposed Clean Fuel Standard: Canada's 'single biggest carbon-fighting policy' you've probably never heard of
Canada's proposed clean fuel standard could actually have more of an impact on carbon emissions than a carbon price will
By Maura Forrest, National Post.
Canada’s environment commissioner Julie Gelfand delivered a stern warning to the federal government this week, declaring that to deal with climate change Ottawa needs to move “from a seemingly endless planning mode into an action mode.”
Canada's proposed clean fuel standard could actually have more of an impact on carbon emissions than a carbon price will
By Maura Forrest, National Post.
Canada’s environment commissioner Julie Gelfand delivered a stern warning to the federal government this week, declaring that to deal with climate change Ottawa needs to move “from a seemingly endless planning mode into an action mode.”
That will mean more than just putting a price on carbon — to date the only element in the Liberals’ pan-Canadian climate change framework that’s received much attention. The government’s plan also includes a suite of lesser-known policies, including a proposed clean fuel standard that some say amounts to a second carbon tax.
The new standard, likely unknown to most Canadians, could actually have more of an impact than a carbon price in cutting Canada’s carbon emissions to 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, according to some experts.
Renewable Natural Gas Increasingly Used to Meet Part of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Requirements
By Steve Hanson, U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Renewable natural gas (RNG), which is derived from biogas collected at landfills and other facilities, is increasingly used to meet government targets for renewable fuel production. In 2016, about 189 million gallons of RNG were used to meet about 82% of federal targets set specifically for cellulosic biofuel.
By Steve Hanson, U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Renewable natural gas (RNG), which is derived from biogas collected at landfills and other facilities, is increasingly used to meet government targets for renewable fuel production. In 2016, about 189 million gallons of RNG were used to meet about 82% of federal targets set specifically for cellulosic biofuel.
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a program implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to promote the incorporation of biofuels in the nation’s fuel supply. Earlier this year, EPA released a proposed rule to determine 2018 renewable volume obligations, and total volumes will remain largely unchanged from 2017 levels. Volume obligations for two categories—advanced biofuel and cellulosic biofuel—were slightly reduced from 2017 levels.
In previous years, when targets for those categories were not met, EPA has exercised its cellulosic biofuel waiver authority to account for shortfalls. In 2016, for instance, only 189 million gallons of cellulosic fuel were produced, less than EPA’s renewable fuel volume requirement of 230 million gallons and far below the original congressional volume target of 4.25 billion gallons for that year.
Industry Leaders Share Expertise on Renewable Natural Gas Business Development in California
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders in the biogas and renewable gas industry will gather in Sacramentotoday to share their knowledge of this growing business. Utilities Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), along with national nonprofit organization Energy Vision, will host the free one-day conference, called "The Power of Waste: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) for California."
"'The Power of Waste' workshop brings together experts in the field of sustainable energy and provides a valuable day of learning and conversation for anyone interested in becoming more knowledgeable about renewable gas opportunities, including the economic and policy landscape," said Lisa Alexander, vice president of customer solutions and communications at SoCalGas. "Renewable natural gas derived from organic sources like animal and plant waste is the next chapter as we look to maximize renewable sources of energy and, clean our air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
RNG Coalition CEO, Johannes Escudero, speaks to the large audience who attended to hear more about renewable natural gas and biogas development at the Power from Waste workshop, October 5 in Sacramento, CA.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders in the biogas and renewable gas industry will gather in Sacramentotoday to share their knowledge of this growing business. Utilities Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), along with national nonprofit organization Energy Vision, will host the free one-day conference, called "The Power of Waste: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) for California."
"'The Power of Waste' workshop brings together experts in the field of sustainable energy and provides a valuable day of learning and conversation for anyone interested in becoming more knowledgeable about renewable gas opportunities, including the economic and policy landscape," said Lisa Alexander, vice president of customer solutions and communications at SoCalGas. "Renewable natural gas derived from organic sources like animal and plant waste is the next chapter as we look to maximize renewable sources of energy and, clean our air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
"RNG is one of the lowest carbon fuel sources available, and drastically cuts health-damaging pollutants like particulates and NOx," said Joanna Underwood, chair of Energy Vision. "Over its lifecycle, it cuts GHG emissions 80 percent or more compared to diesel, and is actually net-carbon-negative, according to the California Air Resources Board, when made from food waste. So the more RNG gets made and used, the more it can reduce overall carbon emissions. California has the greatest biogas potential of any state. A recent study by UC Davis estimates that the natural gas needs of around 2.4 million California homes could be fueled with RNG derived from the state's existing organic waste alone. We estimate California could produce enough RNG to replace 75 percent of its diesel road fuel consumption. In the workshop, we'll discuss practical ways to get there."
"Arguably one of the greatest steps the state could take to reduce methane emissions from the dairy sector, as well as from landfills and wastewater treatment facilities, is to incentivize or otherwise enable the development of renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities at each site" said Johannes Escudero, chief executive officer at the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas. "RNG projects capture and convert methane that would otherwise escape fugitively into the atmosphere as a super-pollutant that is many times more potent than carbon, and convert it for a positive end-use, including as a feedstock for renewable electricity or ultra-low carbon transportation fuel."
The conference will include panelists from state agencies discussing their efforts to reduce short-lived climate pollutants and increase renewable energy production. Renewable gas developers —including those producing gas from dairies as well as landfill-diverted organic waste facilities — will share insight into building successful projects. Additional speakers will review the latest technologies that upgrade biogas to biomethane or RNG which meets utility pipeline specifications.
Just like electricity, natural gas can be made from renewable sources. Already, 60 percent of the fuel used in natural gas vehicles in California is renewable, and SoCalGas expects that to increase to 90 percent by 2018. This can help reduce the need for other fossil-based fuels, and increase our supplies with a local renewable fuel.
Renewable gas project developers, government leadership, local and state agencies, facility operators, equipment vendors, utilities, academia and the media are invited to attend this no-cost workshop, which will take place at Capital Plaza Halls, Grand Ballroom, 1215 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 on Thursday, Oct. 5th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
About SoCalGas
Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas® is the largest natural gas distribution utility in the United States, providing clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to 21.7 million customers in Central and Southern California. Its service territory spans 22,000 square miles from Fresno to the Mexican border, reaching more than 550 communitiesthrough 5.9 million meters and 101,000 miles of pipeline. More than 90 percent of Southern California single-family home residents use natural gas for home heat and hot water. In addition, natural gas plays a key role in providing electricity to Californians—about 60 percent of electric power generated in the state comes from gas-fired power plants.
SoCalGas has served communities in California for 150 years and is committed to being a leader in the region's clean energy future. The company has committed to spending $6 billion over the next five years to modernize and upgrade its gas infrastructure, while also reducing methane emissions. SoCalGas is working to accelerate the use of renewable natural gas, a carbon-neutral or carbon-negative fuel created by capturing and conditioning greenhouse gas emissions from farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. The company is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroomor connect with SoCalGas on Twitter (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook.
About Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California.
PG&E has proudly served northern California communities, families and businesses since 1905 and is committed to become the safest, most reliable, affordable and clean energy company in the country. PG&E is making strategic investments in new technologies and processes, including biomethane and low-carbon gas alternatives, that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1998, the company has reduced its SF6 emissions rate by more than 85 percent and total emissions by more than 70 percent.
About Energy Vision
Energy Vision is a non-profit organization which researches, analyzes and promotes currently viable technologies and strategies for accomplishing the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy and transportation future. Learn more at www.energy-vision.org.
Rhode Island's First Commercial-scale Anaerobic Digester Could be Model for NE Region
By Tim Faulkner, ecoRI News.
JOHNSTON, R.I. — Rhode Island’s first commercial-scale anaerobic digester still isn’t ready, but company officials say it's getting closer to completion. And when it’s operational, New England's largest digester may be a test case for similar facilities in neighboring states with food-diversion laws.
By Tim Faulkner, ecoRI News.
JOHNSTON, R.I. — Rhode Island’s first commercial-scale anaerobic digester still isn’t ready, but company officials say it's getting closer to completion. And when it’s operational, New England's largest digester may be a test case for similar facilities in neighboring states with food-diversion laws.
Rhode Island’s compost law, passed in 2014, requires large institutions such as supermarkets and food makers to divert their organic scrap to a farm, food pantry, compost facility or anaerobic digester, as long as such a facility exists within 15 miles. So far, only a smaller-scale compost facility is operating in Charlestown — Earth Care Farm has been composting food scrap for 40 years. The Compost Plant has proposed a facility in Warren.
In recent years, smaller digesters have been built in Massachusetts that service a single facility, like a Stop & Shop distribution warehouse in Freetown, Mass. In Dartmouth, Mass., a 12-ton-per-day food scrap to biogas anaerobic digestion facility opened in 2014 at the Crapo Hill Landfill. A single digester, or digesters, intended to serve an entire state or region has yet to materialize.
Bipartisan Group of 38 Senators Send Joint Letter to EPA Urging Pruitt to Issue Strong 2018 RVO Volumes
By Erin Voegele.
On Oct. 5, a bipartisan group of 38 senators led by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, asking him to ensure the 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements promote growth in the U.S. biofuels sector and the U.S. economy.
By Erin Voegele.
On Oct. 5, a bipartisan group of 38 senators led by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, asking him to ensure the 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements promote growth in the U.S. biofuels sector and the U.S. economy.
The letter stresses that when Congress adopted the RFS in 2005, its goal was to drive innovation and investments that would bring biofuels to American consumers. “The biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the country, reduces the environmental impact of our transportation and energy sectors, and cuts our reliance on foreign oil,” said the senators in the letter. “The stability of our policy has led to billions of dollars of investment in the biofuel sector. America’s production capacity has expanded more than threefold since 2005 with fuels such as biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol, recycled-waste, algal, and other advanced biofuels.”