In late June, the U.S. EPA approved efficient producer pathways for six Poet ethanol plants, bringing the total number of plants to receive pathways approvals under the efficient producer program to approximately 60.

Plants that have approved efficient producer pathways are able to generate renewable identification numbers (RINs) for production volumes above those grandfathered under current renewable fuel standard (RFS) regulations. When the RFS was established in its current form, the rulemaking grandfathered in the production volume of existing corn ethanol plants. To qualify for compliance with the RFS program, any new production above the grandfathered gallons must meet a 20 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction threshold when compared to the program’s gasoline baseline. The efficient producer pathway petition process is designed to aid ethanol plants in gaining pathway approval for expanded production above those grandfathered volumes.

According to documents published by the EPA, Poet Biorefining – Alexandria, based in Alexandria, Indiana, achieved a 20.4 percent carbon reduction when compared to baseline gasoline. In addition, Fostoria, Ohio-based Poet Biorefining- Fortoria, achieved a 20.1 percent carbon reduction level. Poet Biorefining – Leipsic, a facility located in Leipsic, Ohio, achieved a 20.4 percent carbon reduction level. Marion, Ohio-based Poet Biorefining – Marion achieved a 20.1 percent reduction. Poet Biorefining – North Manchester, located in North Manchester, Indiana, achieved a 20.4 percent carbon reduction level. Finally, Portland, Indiana-based Poet Biorefining – Portland also achieved a carbon reduction level of 20.4 percent. The Ethanol Producer Magazine online plant map currently lists the capacity of each of the six plants at 70 MMgy.

EPA documentation shows Poet Biorefining – Laddonia, located in Laddonia, Missouri, received and efficient producer pathway approval in June 2015.

Additional information is available on the EPA website.