RIN Programs Merge to Stabilize Biodiesel Market
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) An agreement has been struck between Genscape Inc. and Lee Enterprises Consulting to merge Lee Enterprises’ renewable identification number (RIN) verification program, RIN 9000, into Genscape’s trademarked RIN Integrity Network.
Supported by the National Biodiesel Board and its appointed RIN taskforce, Genscape launched its program in late May after a series of biodiesel RIN fraud cases in the past year paralyzed the RIN market, hitting particularly hard the small- and medium-sized producers who have been unable to sell their RINs. It has not just been the biodiesel producers suffering from RIN fraud, however; obligated parties have been hit with fines from the U.S. EPA, which has taken a “buyer beware” approach, and bear the huge cost burden of replacing invalidated RINs. Brokers have also been damaged by the defrauders.
…Jess Hewitt, CEO of Gulf Hydrocarbon and Lee Enterprises’ RIN expert, will provide initial RIN education services to clients to make sure producers understand exactly what is required in creating, attaching, selling, buying and retiring RINs. AP Innovations, a full-service engineering company that recently completed its 22nd biodiesel plant startup, will conduct on-site visits. Christianson & Associates PLLP will provide RIN attestation, auditing, verification and consulting services. Intertek Commodities, an industry leader in analytical testing, will perform ASTM testing of product samples collected during site visits. Lee Enterprises will have its group of biodiesel experts available, and Genscape will recommend Lee Enterprises Consulting to its producer-clients who might benefit from the variety of other biodiesel services offered by Lee Enterprises. READ MORE and MORE (Biodiesel Magazine) and MORE (Biodiesel Magazine) and MORE (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine)
