Is it just me, or does the U.S. EPA never fail to complicate things? As I've said before, I do not envy the EPA's position. The people chosen to regulate the U.S. environment have a gargantuan task and I can't imagine the difficulties they have to overcome on a daily basis. Still, it seems to me that there could, at times, be a better way to do things. I've been pondering this notion since late last week when the EPA unveiled its proposal to regulate industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the tail of its finalized rule to collect GHG emissions information from certain industries. Now, I am just a lowly magazine editor, but I have to ask: Wouldn't it have made more sense to collect emissions information before proposing regulations for those industries?
Under the EPA's proposal, the ethanol industry is among those that will be required to pay additional permitting fees for GHG emissions. However, in its finalized GHG reporting rule, the EPA specifically stated that ethanol production facilities would be temporarily left out of the group of industries that will be required to report emissions information because it determined more time was needed to consider the inclusion of on-site industrial landfills and wastewater treatment. The rule was confusing because while the agency opted to mention that ethanol is not required to report, it also stated that facilities emitting more than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent must submit emissions reports beginning Jan. 1. According to the experts I've spoken to over the past week, this includes nearly every operating ethanol facility in the U.S. So why, if further consideration is needed before determining exactly who should report emissions, can the agency propose a plan to regulate industries?
As one environmental expert I spoke with put it, it is sometimes best not to inject common sense into any of the EPA's actions because that would just further complicate things. Keeping that in mind, ethanol producers need to start preparing for the GHG reporting process and regulation. Industrial facilities with emissions of more 25,000 tons of CO2 annually need to begin collecting emissions information for reporting on Jan. 1. Most of you already have this information, but now you will be required to share it. And, more importantly, you will likely soon be required to pay for those emissions. Details are sure to change as comments are submitted on the proposed regulatory rule, but for now, all signs point to greater regulation ahead. Now is the time to prepare.
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER | MINNEAPOLIS,MINNESOTA
Serving the Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry
Taking place in September, the North American SAF Conference & Expo, produced by SAF Magazine, in collaboration with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) will showcase the latest strategies for aviation fuel decarbonization, solutions for key industry challenges, and highlight the current opportunities for airlines, corporations and fuel producers.View More
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER | NASHVILLE,TN
Now in its 19th year, the International Biomass Conference & Expo is expected to bring together more than 900 attendees, 160 exhibitors and 65 speakers from more than 25 countries. It is the largest gathering of biomass professionals and academics in the world. The conference provides relevant content and unparalleled networking opportunities in a dynamic business-to-business environment. In addition to abundant networking opportunities, the largest biomass conference in the world is renowned for its outstanding programming—powered by Biomass Magazine–that maintains a strong focus on commercial-scale biomass production, new technology, and near-term research and development. Join us at the International Biomass Conference & Expo as we enter this new and exciting era in biomass energy.View More