Category: Announcements

Announcing: RSB Certification Services

EcoEngineers and LRQA are now approved by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) to provide certification services under the RSB standard. This recognition places us among a select group of organizations qualified to evaluate and certify biofuel and biomaterial companies navigating European and global renewable energy regulations.

RSB certification is globally recognized for its rigorous sustainability framework, developed through a uniquely inclusive multi-stakeholder process. It ensures not only compliance with climate regulations like European Union (EU) Fuel Certification in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), but also social and environmental integrity across the value chain.

Our global network of auditors have deep technical expertise in biofuel and biomaterial, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic fuels, to implement the RSB program and deliver audits and certifications across four certification schemes:

  1. RSB EU RED and United Kingdom (UK) Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)
  2. RSB Global Fuels Certification
  3. RSB Global Advanced Products Certification
  4. RSB CORSIA Certification

Certification extends beyond fuels to include non-energy products that meet the highest sustainability and environmental standards.

Sustainability certification is a legal requirement for renewable fuel entering European markets. RSB certification goes further, providing producers with verified sustainability credentials that unlock market access and build confidence with buyers, regulators and investors. RSB’s standards ensure rigorous sustainability, traceability and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements across every step of the value chain, covering a wide range of feedstocks, including agricultural crops, waste and residues, algae, and used cooking oil.

“We are pleased to welcome LRQA to RSB’s global network of certification bodies. Their technical expertise and commitment to integrity will help deliver trusted sustainability assurance, supporting access to global markets and advancing the transition to a just, net-positive bioeconomy,” said Julia Fidler, RSB’s Executive Director.

As demand accelerates for credible sustainability certification across European and global renewable fuel markets, LRQA’s designation as an RSB certification body comes at a pivotal time. Producers, exporters and energy companies now face growing expectations from investors, buyers and stakeholders who demand robust sustainability assurance to access global markets.

“Europe represents one of the most important markets for renewable fuel trade, and we are ready to help companies navigate European regulations with clarity and confidence. RSB is a trusted certification because it is rigorous, globally recognized and built on full supply-chain traceability and defensible greenhouse gas accounting. This designation as an RSB certification body ensures fuel exporters and European energy companies can trust LRQA as their independent partner who can move at the speed of the market without compromising on integrity,” said Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA.

We chose to become an RSB certification body due to the system’s well-established focus on integrity, transparency, its holistic sustainability framework and quality. At a time of heightened scrutiny of the integrity of sustainability reporting across the biofuels sector, we are stepping forward as a trusted partner dedicated to delivering robust and defensible verification and certification services.

We provide a range of assistance, including independent audits, certification services, compliance verification and gap analyses with regulated and non-regulated sustainability standards. We support supply chain assurance for producers, traders and exporters of biofuels, biogases, SAF, and recycled carbon pathways exporting to or operating within the EU and in other global markets.

To learn more, visit our RSB landing page or connect with EcoEngineers’ assurance teams directly at clientservices@ecoengineers.us.

About LRQA
LRQA is the leading global risk management partner. Through its connected risk management solutions, LRQA helps clients navigate an evolving global landscape to keep organizations one step ahead. From quality assurance to safety, cybersecurity, climate performance and responsible sourcing, LRQA works with clients to identify risks across their businesses. LRQA team of experts then creates smart, scalable solutions, tailored to help organizations prepare, prevent, and protect against risk.

Through relentless client focus, backed by decades of sector-specific expertise, data-driven insight and on-the-ground specialists across assurance, certification, inspection, advisory, and training, LRQA supports over 61,000 organizations in more than 150 countries. More: https://www.lrqa.com.

About EcoEngineers
EcoEngineers, an LRQA company, is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm exclusively focused on the energy transition and decarbonization. From innovation to impact, EcoEngineers helps its clients navigate the disruption caused by carbon emissions and climate change. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. For more information, visit www.ecoengineers.us.

About RSB
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is a non-profit network of global organizations collaborating to advance the just transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. RSB’s globally recognized sustainability framework is the most robust and credible foundation for supporting innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Underpinned by the RSB Principles & Criteria and developed with RSB’s multi-stakeholder membership community, RSB uses this foundation to develop projects, new knowledge and practical solutions that equip key decision-makers to deliver positive impacts for people and planet.

EcoUniversity Launches New EcoForums Training Series to Empower the Low-Carbon Workforce

As part of our EcoUniversity training program, we are proud to launch a new EcoForums Training Series designed to help professionals build critical skills and regulatory literacy in the fast-moving world of clean fuels. The demand for verified low‑carbon energy solutions continues to grow, and understanding the regulatory frameworks that shape U.S. and state-level carbon markets is essential for anyone working in sustainability, compliance, or renewable fuel development.

Across three focused two‑hour sessions, EcoEngineers’ regulatory, compliance, and modeling experts will guide participants through the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA-LCFS), the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and an introductory course on life‑cycle analysis (LCA) using the GREET and CA‑GREET models. Course presenters work in the low-carbon marketplace, researching regulatory updates, modeling volumes and pricing scenarios, and immersing themselves in the clean transportation sector.

Each course begins with fundamentals then progresses to compliance strategies and market dynamics needed for informed decision-making. Whether you’re working toward new project development, optimizing existing assets, or seeking to understand carbon markets for the first time, this webinar series offers accessible, actionable training grounded in EcoEngineers’ real-world experience.

 

EcoForum Training Series Courses

Each EcoForum course incorporates the latest data on credit generation, deficits, volumes, energy credit trading trends, and regulatory benchmarks, helping learners interpret how current policy developments and market shifts impact real-world project economics. Our instructors bring deep regulatory, technical, and analytical experience, using real examples and plain‑language explanations to break down complex topics. Participants will gain clear, practical benefits that boost both professional confidence and organizational capability. Read more about each course below.

CA-LCFS: Fundamentals, Compliance, and Market Insights

You’ll learn how the CA-LCFS works, how carbon intensity (CI) drives credit generation, and what the latest statistics from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mean for producers. This course covers program basics, pathway requirements, reporting obligations, and real market data, including current credit balances, deficits, fuel volumes, and CARB updates. Key skills you’ll gain:

  • Understanding CI scoring and its revenue impact
  • Interpreting CARB market summaries and regulatory updates
  • Identifying compliance steps and common reporting issues
  • Using CA-LCFS market trends to inform strategic decisions

U.S. RFS: Fundamentals, Program Mechanics, and Market Dynamics

This course explains Renewable Identification Number (RIN) categories, obligated parties, and how fuels qualify, using current USEPA data on RIN generation, volumes, and rulemaking updates. You’ll learn how RIN prices form, what drives volatility, and how to manage compliance risk. Key skills you’ll gain:

  • Reading USEPA statistics and annual volume obligations
  • Understanding RIN generation, separation, trading, and retirement
  • Evaluating market behavior across D‑code categories
  • Connecting RIN pricing dynamics to project economics

LCA & Introduction to GREET and CA-GREET

This session walks through LCA essentials: system boundaries, emissions sources, and modeling principles. It then introduces GREET and CA-GREET with clear examples. You’ll learn how CI scores are built, what inputs matter most, and how modeling choices affect pathway competitiveness. Key skills you’ll gain:

  • Understanding LCA structure and terminology
  • Navigating GREET and CA‑GREET models confidently
  • Identifying major CI drivers in fuel pathways
  • Applying modeling insights to project planning and pathway submissions

Each EcoForums course will help you gain practical skills to confidently navigate today’s low‑carbon regulatory environment. Upon finishing the series, participants receive an EcoUniversity Certificate of Completion, validating your training and showcasing valuable credentials in today’s low‑carbon fuels market.

 

Who Should Attend

This series is designed for professionals across the clean energy and low‑carbon fuels ecosystem — those entering the field or seeking to deepen their expertise. It’s especially valuable for:

  • Renewable fuel producers seeking to optimize CI scores and maximize credit generation
  • Project developers evaluating new investments or preparing for pathway applications
  • Corporate sustainability and ESG teams needing clear, practical regulatory grounding
  • Compliance managers and regulatory analysts who must interpret policy updates and prepare accurate reporting
  • Market analysts and investors who rely on CA-LCFS and RFS trends to evaluate revenue forecasts
  • Engineering teams designing new production systems or improving existing processes
  • Students and early‑career professionals building skills that are foundational to the low‑carbon workforce

With training grounded in real-world case examples and EcoEngineers’ extensive project experience, participants gain both operational clarity and strategic insight.

 

Registration is Now Open

Reserve your spot and advance your expertise in the clean fuels sector. Seats are limited to ensure high-quality engagement and discussion during Q&A. EcoUniversity offers flexible registration to accommodate individuals and teams:

  • Single-course registration: $295 per attendee
  • Full-series, three-course bundle: $735 per attendee (a $150 savings)

Whether you are a participant looking for focused, topic-specific training or for a comprehensive foundation spanning regulation, compliance, and carbon modeling, this course series is for you. Each registration includes:

  • Live participation in the two‑hour webinar
  • Access to presentation materials
  • Q&A with EcoEngineers regulatory and modeling experts
  • Recording access for 30 days
  • EcoUniversity certificate of completion

Clean‑fuel markets are expanding, and the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. By enrolling in this series, you’ll gain the regulatory clarity and analytical foundation needed to thrive in CA-LCFS, RFS, and life‑cycle modeling environments. Click below to register now and learn more about each course offering.

For more information, contact EcoUniversity Director Lyndsey Nielsen at lnielsen@ecoengineers.us.

EcoEngineers Promotes Chelsa Oren to Ethanol and Biodiesel Services Director

The following is an article originally published by EIN Presswire as provided by StoryStore, LLC on December 3, 2025.

Industry Expert to Lead Expanded Compliance, Verification and Decarbonization Services for Biofuels Producers

Chelsa Oren

DES MOINES, IA, UNITED STATES, December 3, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — EcoEngineers, a clean energy consulting, auditing and advisory firm recently acquired by leading risk management partner LRQA, today announced the promotion of Chelsa Oren to ethanol and biodiesel services director.

In her new role, Oren will oversee EcoEngineers’ growing portfolio of regulatory, carbon intensity (CI) modeling and verification services in line with global standards. This includes the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), emerging 45Z federal tax credit requirements and the global expansion of voluntary and compliance-driven carbon markets.

Oren joined EcoEngineers nearly five years ago and is widely recognized for her ability to help ethanol and biodiesel producers simplify increasingly complex compliance landscapes. A geologist by training, she began her career in North Dakota’s oilfields before transitioning into biofuels, bringing with her a rare technical rigor and cross-sector understanding of energy systems.

Oren’s consulting and analytical expertise has supported dozens of ethanol facilities across North America and enabled millions of dollars in credit revenue by helping producers stack eligible credits, navigate multi-program registration and verification timelines for timely market access, and secure compliant D3 pathway registrations without delays or complications. 

“Chelsa has a gift for turning complexity into clarity,” said Shashi Menon, “As regulations evolve and programs converge, producers need a knowledgeable, trusted partner who can help them navigate CI modeling, verification, and multi-market strategies with confidence. Chelsa has already proven she is that partner for clients across the industry.”

Oren’s new responsibilities include enhancing service delivery for producers operating under multiple programs, improving process efficiency and strengthening EcoEngineers’ offerings across verification, reporting and advanced market analysis.

“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Oren. “My goal is to help producers operate more efficiently, especially those engaged in multiple programs and to make compliance smoother, faster and more effective. There is a tremendous opportunity right now, and EcoEngineers is committed to helping our clients grow.”

45Z and RSB Updates Under Oren’s Leadership

In her new role, Oren is sharpening EcoEngineers’ focus on several high-impact service areas. She is leading the expansion of 45Z verification readiness, helping producers prepare for eligibility reviews and documentation requirements as final IRS guidance is pending. She is also enhancing multi-program verification efficiency, including a bundled CFR–LCFS offering designed to streamline compliance for producers operating in both markets.

Looking ahead, Oren is helping drive EcoEngineers’ pursuit of Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification body accreditation to conduct verification under the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED). This accreditation covers biofuels, biogas, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and synthetic fuels for compliance in the Europe Union Renewable Energy Directive (RED), United Kingdom (UK) Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), and global markets, and enables the company to verify SAF under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

About EcoEngineers
EcoEngineers, an LRQA company, is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm exclusively focused on the energy transition and decarbonization. From innovation to impact, EcoEngineers helps its clients navigate the disruption caused by carbon emissions and climate change. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. For more information, visit www.ecoengineers.us.

About LRQA
LRQA is the leading global risk management partner. Through its connected risk management solutions, LRQA helps clients navigate an evolving global landscape to keep organizations one step ahead. From certification and cybersecurity to safety, sustainability and supply chains, LRQA works with clients to identify risks across their businesses. LRQA’s team of experts then creates smart, scalable solutions, tailored to help organizations prepare, prevent and protect against risk.

Through relentless client focus, backed by decades of sector-specific expertise, data-driven insight and on-the-ground specialists across assurance, certification, inspection, advisory and training, LRQA supports over 61,000 organizations in more than 150 countries. More: https://www.lrqa.com

EcoEngineers Named Finalist for 2025 Sustainability Consultancy Award

EcoEngineers is proud to share that we have been shortlisted for the 2025 Sustainability Consultancy Award by Sustainability Magazine. The Global Sustainability Awards 2025 celebrate organizations and individuals that are leading the way in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable innovation. 

Earlier this year, EcoEngineers was also recognized by Sustainability Magazine as one of the Top 10 Sustainable Consulting Firms globally. This dual recognition underscores the strength of our integrated approach, combining regulatory expertise, technical insight, and market intelligence to support decarbonization strategies across sectors. 

To view the full list of finalists and learn more about the Global Sustainability Awards, visit: https://sustainabilitymag.com/sustainability/global-sustainability-awards-shortlists-for-2025-revealed 

Winners will be announced at the Global Sustainability Awards ceremony on September 10, 2025, coinciding with Sustainability LIVE: London.

About EcoEngineers

EcoEngineers, an LRQA company, is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm exclusively focused on the energy transition and decarbonization. From innovation to impact, EcoEngineers helps its clients navigate the disruption caused by carbon emissions and climate change. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. For more information, visit www.ecoengineers.us.

Section 45V Clean Hydrogen Tax Credit: Where Things Currently Stand

As the U.S. Congress continues its 2025 budget reconciliation process, industry stakeholders continue to monitor the fate of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Section 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit. The bill, first introduced by the House Ways and Means Committee on May 12, 2025, and advanced by the House Budget Committee on May 18, 2025, as currently written, terminates the Section 45V clean hydrogen tax credit as of January 1, 2026. 

Stakeholders and Policymakers Respond

Since the release of that draft bill, several industry stakeholders and policymakers have made public pronouncements indicating their support for preserving the Section 45V clean hydrogen tax credit. 

Over 100 industry stakeholders, including EcoEngineers, the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the American Biogas Council (ABC), have signed a letter sent by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) to House Speaker Mike Johnson urging House leadership to preserve Section 45V “without any new restrictions.”

Two days after the House’s reconciliation bill was made public, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, indicated a desire to review the proposed termination of Section 45V, citing a clean hydrogen hub in her home state of West Virginia, which was slated to receive nearly $1 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE). Regarding the renewable energy tax credits contained in the IRA, Sen. Capito was quoted as saying, “There has been job creation around these tax credits.”

Similarly, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who sits on the Senate Finance Committee, stated, “You can’t shock the markets by doing it all at once,” in reference to the House’s proposed termination of clean energy tax credits.

As the situation surrounding the Section 45V clean hydrogen tax credit remains fluid, and with narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, congressional leaders will need to garner support from various members representing disparate geographical regions and interests. Among them will be members of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Caucus of the 118th Congress. This caucus is a bipartisan coalition of 39 members of both chambers of Congress who “help educate members of Congress and the public on sustainable and resilient energy solutions.” 

Fate of Section 45V Remains Fluid

At the time of this writing, the budget reconciliation bill continues to be negotiated and working through the House Rules Committee before moving on to a final vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. Once the bill is passed, the reconciliation process will move to committee work in the Senate, before moving to a full Senate floor vote. After passage in both chambers, the two bills will be sent to a conference committee where differences will be reconciled. 

With a sizeable portion of the legislative process still to be completed before the House reconciliation bill becomes law, the termination of the Section 45V clean hydrogen tax credit is far from certain, and its preservation as a catalyst for U.S. domestic clean hydrogen production remains fluid. 

Stakeholders committed to the continued growth of clean hydrogen production in the United States can actively work to preserve the Section 45V clean hydrogen tax credit by contacting their congressional representatives and senators. By ensuring policymakers appreciate the significant impact of the growing domestic U.S. clean hydrogen production sector, and the subsequent job creation and positive economic benefits that stem from that production, the preservation of the Section 45V clean hydrogen tax credit can continue to fuel clean, low-carbon hydrogen production for years to come. 

READ MORE: For further insight into the Section 45V clean hydrogen tax credit, check out the webinar EcoEngineers recently conducted here.

For information about EcoEngineers’ Hydrogen services and capabilities, contact:

Tanya Peacock, Managing Director, California and Hydrogen | tpeacock@ecoengineers.us  

About EcoEngineers

EcoEngineers, an LRQA company, is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm exclusively focused on the energy transition and decarbonization. From innovation to impact, EcoEngineers helps its clients navigate the disruption caused by carbon emissions and climate change. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. For more information, visit www.ecoengineers.us.

EcoEngineers Joins LRQA

LRQA, the leading global assurance partner, has acquired EcoEngineers. 

LRQA is the leading global assurance partner, bringing together decades of unrivalled expertise in assessment, advisory, inspection and cybersecurity services. LRQA’s solutions-based partnerships are supported by data-driven insights that help its clients solve their biggest business challenges. Operating in more than 150 countries with a team of more than 5,000 people, LRQA’s award-winning compliance, supply chain, cybersecurity, and ESG specialists help more than 61,000 clients across almost every sector to anticipate, mitigate and manage risk wherever they operate. 

The integration with LRQA enhances Eco’s U.S. presence while supporting our expansion into the European market, where sustainability regulations continue to gain momentum. 

EcoEngineers offers deep technical expertise in low-carbon production, climate regulations, carbon markets, and innovative technologies – areas in high demand amid growing regulatory complexity and uncertainty. 

Against this backdrop, businesses still need to respond to pressures from investors, consumers and stakeholders to uphold transparency and integrity in their climate commitments. As a result, many are turning to low-carbon fuels such as biofuels, renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen to decarbonise operations. Businesses therefore need specialist guidance on these fuels, the corresponding regulations – such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) – and the enabling technologies. This acquisition directly addresses those needs. 

Ian Spaulding, CEO for LRQA, said: 

“This acquisition is a truly exciting expansion of LRQA’s existing capabilities in carbon accounting, greenhouse gas (GHG) verification and sustainability strategy, and we’re thrilled to welcome EcoEngineers to the team and to continue driving real impact for our clients, people and planet. The regulatory landscape remains complex, with shifting state and international policies influencing corporate sustainability strategies. That’s why, together with EcoEngineers, we’re here to help clients navigate that landscape.” 

Shashi Menon, CEO for EcoEngineers, said: 

“Joining LRQA is an exciting step forward for our team and our clients. We have built our reputation on delivering rigorous, science-based solutions to support businesses in their energy transition journeys. By integrating with LRQA, we gain the scale and global reach needed to expand our impact, while remaining true to our mission of ensuring credibility in carbon accounting and emissions verification.” 

As part of the acquisition, LRQA gains over 120 sustainability experts from Eco to further strengthen its capabilities. In turn, the integration enhances Eco’s U.S. presence while supporting its expansion into the European market, where sustainability regulations continue to gain momentum. 

Our companies share a joint vision of shaping a better future for our people, our clients, our communities, and our planet – and we are very pleased to join the LRQA team. 

LRQA was advised by DLA Pipier (legal) and KPMG (financial and tax). EcoEngineers was advised by Finley Law (legal) and GreenFront Energy Partners (exclusive financial advisor). 

For more information, please contact clientservices@ecoengineers.us. 

Summary of California Office of Administrative Law’s Pause on CARB’s LCFS Amendments

On February 18, 2025, California’s Office of Administrative Law (OAL) issued a release disapproving the state’s Air Resources Board’s (CARB) amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA-LCFS). Originally approved by CARB’s board in November 2024, these amendments were aimed at further reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and supporting cleaner transportation fuels in California. However, OAL identified inconsistencies with the clarity standard outlined in Government Code section 11349(c), leading to the disapproval of the amendments.

CARB has 120 days to address the concerns identified by the OAL. While non-substantial changes will be added to the rulemaking record, any substantive modifications will undergo a public comment period before finalization. Meanwhile, CARB will continue implementing the existing LCFS regulation that has been in effect since July 2020.

The CA-LCFS in its current form may lead to an overproduction of credits, exacerbating the existing oversupply situation. The delay in implementing the amended targets means that obligated parties participating in the CA-LCFS must continue operating under the old compliance curve, which may not sufficiently address market imbalances. Without the updated targets, surplus credits could continue to accumulate, potentially impacting credit prices and the overall effectiveness of the program in driving emissions reductions.

EcoEngineers is Here to Help

EcoEngineers is following this process closely to assess the potential impacts on its clients. Our team is prepared to help businesses navigate any regulatory changes that may arise from the CA-LCFS amendment review process. We are committed to keeping our clients informed and prepared for any changes in California’s low-carbon fuel landscape.

If you have questions or would like to discuss how these regulatory developments may affect your operations, please email Lisa Hanke, Regulatory Engagement Director, at lhanke@ecoengineers.us.

IRA Section 45Z Guidance: What Clean Fuel Producers Need to Know

By Lisa Hanke, Regulatory Engagement Director, EcoEngineers

On January 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released the long-awaited guidance of the Section 45Z Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit (PTC) under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). 

The guidance aims to provide initial clarity on the requirements for claiming the Section 45Z tax credit, which is designed to incentivize the production of clean transportation fuels such as ethanol, renewable natural gas (RNG), renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The guidance also solicits public comments, which are due by April 10, 2025. 

Key Components of the Section 45Z Guidance

One of the key components of the Section 45Z guidance is the release of the 45ZCF-GREET model and its user manual. The 45ZCF-GREET model is a specific version of the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model developed to determine emission rates of transportation fuels. The model is straightforward with few inputs for users to enter. Most inputs are fixed and cannot be changed. Depending on the producer, this can make it easier to use the calculator but it reduces some optionality. The model provides a baseline for avoided emissions in manure and for landfill RNG projects. The proposed regulations would provide an emission rate substantiation safe harbor for non-SAF transportation fuel by obtaining third-party certification.

Energy attribute certificates (EACs) are permitted as is carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) to achieve a lower emission rate. However, it does not currently incorporate Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices in its calculations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also released Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel. The final rule is expected to be incorporated into the Section 45ZCF-GREET model at a later date.

Foreign Feedstock and Emissions Rate Table

The guidance currently does not allow foreign used cooking oil (UCO) as a feedstock citing concerns of potential fraud; however, the Treasury and IRS indicated that specific guidance on traceability requirements for foreign UCO will be released at a later date. 

The guidance document also includes an annual emissions rate table. Currently, only feedstock pathways included in this table can generate Section 45Z tax credits. Those not included must submit a Provisional Emissions Rate (PER). Future guidance will be released in the process of submitting a PER. 

SAF producers may use either the 45ZCF-GREET model or methodologies from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Third-party certification is currently required for SAF. 

In summary, the Section 45Z guidance and 45ZCF-GREET model issued in January 2025 delivers important information for producers of clean transportation fuels, as well as provide the opportunity for public comment. Clean fuel producers and stakeholders are encouraged to submit public comments on the current proposed regulation and upcoming guidance related to PERs, feedstock baselines, foreign feedstocks, and the integration of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) into Section 45Z tax credit. 

How EcoEngineers Can Help

Navigating the complexities of the Section 45Z tax credit can be challenging for producers of clean transportation fuels. EcoEngineers specializes in helping clients understand and comply with regulatory requirements, including the latest Section 45Z guidance. Our experienced team can help you calculate emissions rates with the 45ZCF-GREET model and prepare for future verification and validation, ensuring you fully benefit from the Section 45Z tax credit. We are committed to ensuring that our clients can maximize their tax credit benefits while maintaining compliance with all regulations. 

Contact your account manager or clientservices@ecoengineers.us to learn how we can help you navigate the Section 45Z guidance and achieve your clean fuel production goals.

Ensure CA-LCFS, OR-CFP Compliance with EcoEngineers’ AFPR Verification Services

Fuel producers and importers operating in California and Oregon are required to submit Annual Fuel Pathway Reports (AFPRs) to demonstrate the carbon intensity (CI) of their fuels. Accurate verification of these reports is essential to maintaining compliance, maximizing credit generation, and avoiding potential penalties.

California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA-LCFS) and Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program (OR-CFP) require entities to submit AFPRs, which include detailed accounts of fuel production processes, lifecycle CI, and emissions data. The AFPRs are submitted by fuel producers and importers to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (OR-DEQ). Verified and validated AFPRs help ensure that reported data is accurate, transparent, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements, safeguard businesses against compliance risks, and enhance the integrity of carbon credit generation.

EcoEngineers’ AFPR Verification Expertise

As one of the first CARB-accredited verification bodies, EcoEngineers has extensive experience with the CA-LCFS and OR-CFP programs. We specialize in verifying life-cycle analysis (LCA) models, process flows, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and regulatory compliance. Our expertise ensures accurate, defensible verification statements to help clients navigate complex reporting requirements with confidence.

EcoEngineers is an industry leader in CA-LCFS fuel pathway validation and verification, with 20 Lead Verifiers on staff and 600 CA-LCFS validations and verifications completed. Our experienced team specializes in a wide range of fuel pathways, including:

  • Biomethane from dairy/swine manure
  • Biomethane from landfills/wastewater treatment plants
  • Starch and fiber ethanol
  • Sugarcane-derived ethanol
  • Biodiesel and renewable diesel
  • Liquified natural gas (LNG) and liquified compressed natural gas (L-CNG)
  • Anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge
  • Anaerobic digestion of organic waste

We are an accredited CA-LCFS and Mandatory Reporting Regulation (MRR) verification body with the CARB and an accredited CFP verification body with the OR-DEQ. We are also accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB) as a GHG verification body in accordance with ISO 17029:2019; ISO 14065:2020; and ISO 14064-3:2019.

Contact Us to Learn More

Let’s discuss how Eco can support your CA-LCFS and OR-CFP AFPR verification needs. Contact clientservices@ecoengineers.us today to schedule a consultation.

Eco Engineers

1300 Walnut St., Suite 100

Des Moines, IA 50309

  +1 515.985.1260

  clientservices@ecoengineers.us

   

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