RNG NEWS
Smithfield Completes First RNG Line in Missouri
As part of its “manure-to-energy” project, Smithfield Foods Inc. announced on Aug. 5 that it connected a low-pressure natural gas transmission line from a company hog farm to the Milan, Missouri, natural gas pipeline.
Smithfield said that the renewable natural gas produced at the hog farm goes directly into the city’s natural gas distribution system prior to delivery.
“We are proud that Smithfield calls Milan home and grateful for the company’s positive impact on our community, providing residents with more than 1,100 jobs,” said Mayor Andy Herington of the city of Milan. “Smithfield’s leadership in producing renewable energy in innovative ways further strengthens our community and provides us with more flexibility to meet the energy needs of our residents and businesses.”
By Ryan McCarthy, Meat + Poultry
Natural Gas Truck Sales Surge Even as Electric Trucks Get the Hype
While electric trucks get most of the hype for the future of trucking, cleaner-burning natural gas-powered Class 8 heavy-duty trucks sales are rising.
Fewer smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions make natural gas trucks about 19 times cleaner than diesel models.
U.S. and Canadian Class 8 natural gas truck retail sales surged 43 percent in the first five months of the year. They fell 18 percent in the same period in 2018, according to Alternative Fuels Quarterly, released by ACT Research.
By Alan Adler, Freight Waves
Align RNG is Slated for Development in Sampson County
Two big-name behemoths based in Virginia have teamed as part of a multi-state project by which hog waste is converted into renewable energy that can heat homes and power local industries. The new venture is slated for development in Sampson County, and will be the topic of discussion at upcoming meetings.
In November 2018, it was announced that Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods Inc.were joining forces as part of what they called "a first of its kind" project called Align Renewable Natural Gas (RNG).
By Market Screener
Air Liquide RNG Production Plant Celebrates First Birthday
This time last year Air Liquide officially opened its first, large-scale biomethane production plant in the US.
A year on, and the plant located in Walnut, Mississippi, receives 350,000 metric tonnes of waste yearly, allowing it to inject biomethane into the network to heat 4,500 homes.
The biomethane plant purifies household waste gas provided by the landfill and converts it into a renewable gas that is reintroduced back into the energy grid to provide renewable energy for surrounding communities.
By Molly Burgess, Gas World
Ameresco Advocates for Renewable Natural Gas at U.S. EPA Hearing on 2020 Renewable Fuel Volume Standards
Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, today announced that Jeff Stander, Senior Project Developer of Ameresco, testified at a recent public hearing before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the market participation of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) under the Renewable Fuel Standard program.
“Renewable Natural Gas is a low-carbon transportation fuel that is increasingly produced to meet the cellulosic biofuel requirement under the RFS,” said Mr. Stander. “We are proud to promote the success and advances of RNG, and we intend to continue supporting this exciting and sustainable technology.”
By Business Wire
Senate Committee Approves $1 billion for Natural Gas, Hydrogen Fuel Infrastructure & EV
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted unanimously Tuesday morning to advance a broad bipartisan infrastructure bill that includes funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., is working to bring it before the full Senate this fall.
S. 2302, the America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act, earmarks $1 billion in funding for competitive grants to support the development of fueling infrastructure for electric, natural gas and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The bill also directs federal agencies to transition their vehicle fleets to hybrid-electric, electric and alternative fuels within a year of enactment.
By Max Witynski, Utility Dive
Comment Period Officially Opens on 2020 RFS Proposal
The U.S. EPA published its proposed rule to set Renewable Fuel Standard 2020 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel in the Federal Register July 29, officially opening a public comment period. Comments on the proposal can be filed through Aug. 30.
The EPA released a prepublication version of the rulemaking on July 5. The rule proposes to require 20.04 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be blended with the U.S. fuel supply next year, up from 19.92 billion gallons in 2019. The proposed RVO includes 5.04 billion gallons of advanced biofuels, 2.43 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel, and 540,000 gallons of cellulosic fuel. The 2020 RVO for biomass-based diesel was finalized in a separate rulemaking last year. The rulemaking also proposes to set the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel at 2.43 billion gallons, level with the 2020 RVO.
By Biomass Magazine
Don’t Let State Regulators Limit Energy Choice in California
As mayors of Diamond Bar, Rosemead and West Covina, we collectively represent more than 200,000 constituents in the San Gabriel Valley — constituents who work hard to provide for their families, and in some cases, their businesses.
Like most Californians, one of the top concerns of San Gabriel Valley residents is affordability. It’s no secret that the California dream is getting more and more expensive, which is why it troubles us that the California Public Utilities Commission plans to force Californians to eliminate natural gas from their homes and go all-electric.
By Margaret Clark, Carol Herrera & Lloyd Johnson, Pasadena Star News
Northwest Natural: Renewable Natural Gas Bill Signed by Governor Kate Brown
Oregon Governor Kate Brown has signed Senate Bill 98 into law, creating the path for renewable natural gas to become an increasing part of the state’s energy supply. NW Natural, a subsidiary of NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN), worked with legislators to propose SB 98 to enable utilities to acquire renewable natural gas on behalf of Oregon customers.
Renewable natural gas is a zero carbon resource produced from local organic materials like food, agricultural and forestry waste, wastewater, or landfills, which can be added into the existing natural gas system.
By Market Screener
Senate EPW Advances Highway Bill That Includes Climate Change Provisions
Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) released the following statements on the committee’s passage of S. 2302, America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019. The legislation as amended passed the committee by a vote of 21 to 0.
The bill authorizes $287 billion over five years, including $259 billion for formula programs to maintain and repair America’s roads and bridges. The total represents an increase of over 27 percent from FAST Act levels. The legislation includes provisions to improve road safety, streamline project delivery, protect the environment and grow the economy.