AFCC – Fighting for SAF RINs for Forest Fuels

In the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) industry, there is a good deal of information sharing that goes on in and by industry groups behind the scenes. I represent Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC, (NWABF) as a member of the Governing Board of Directors for the Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC).   

We spend time with other AFCC member companies discussing the characteristics and opportunities of improving the government definitions for interpreting EPA Guidelines, and increasing availability of biofuels feedstock, including slash and other forest residuals. 

Support for Feedstock Sourcing

As an industry body, AFCC is gaining traction and support in the evaluation of what the EPA considers slash, and how the current laws are interpreted to expand more possible feedstock sourcing. 

The body has been proactive in working with government groups to change their opinion and perspective on slash, and it is paying dividends. This traction and support for forest-derived fuels from slash and other forest residuals are happening due to the tremendous surge in wildfires all across the Northwest this year. 

Wildfires across the Northwest

Wildfires are the primary reason for the intensity and destruction of millions of acres in the West. But at the same time, these fires in the Pacific Northwest play a role as a driving force in obtaining legislation to support pro-active forestry management.  

Working with the Department of Natural Resources, Private Industry, and Governmental Agencies, we are assisting in developing long-term solutions for use of millions of tons of ‘fuel’ (that meet EPA Sustainability mandates and requirements in the Northwest) that is currently left in the forest and can greatly benefit the SAF industry. 

AFCC Projects Information

In recent weeks, our team participated in a webinar presented by AFCC Executive Vice-President, Rina Singh for the EPA Office of Transportation. It was attended by multiple SAF company representatives interested in keeping Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in place for products created from forest residuals. 

Another project on AFCC’s agenda is to allow National Forests to be included along with states, Tribes, and privately owned forests that meet the mandates and requirements for State and Federal Energy Credits. This will require some time to accomplish while going through Congress. 

However, the AFCC appears to be gaining more support for this as a positive response to addressing climate change and assisting governmental agencies in being more effective in their climate goals.

As additional legislation occurs in the coming months, Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC will do its best to share these positive outcomes.