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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/116555
TOP OF THE NEWS EPA proposes changes to RIN trading in RFS program A new voluntary quality assurance program T o help make the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program more efficient and effective the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a structured process for buyers of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in order to verify their validity. Under the proposal announced by the EPA, RINs would be verified through a new voluntary quality assurance program that also includes alternative compliance options which leverage existing industry practices and market forces. EPA will consider feedback from a range of stakeholders before the proposal is finalized. Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs) would provide a recognized means for independent third parties to audit the production of renewable fuel and verify that RINs have been validly generated. For RINs that have been verified according to an approved QAP, the program would provide protection against liability for civil violations resulting from the transfer or use of invalidly generated RINs under certain conditions. The rule would also specify both the condi- n Social media study discovers interest and confusion over mobile payments MasterCard, in partnership with Prime Research, released a "Mobile Payments Social Media Study" tracking 85,000 related social media comments across Twitter, Facebook, Online Blogs and Forums around the world. The study shows a high volume of conversation and consumer interest in adopting mobile payments but cites concerns about security and customer support, as well as confusion over available options. Findings of the study were announced Feb. 25 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The study looked at social commentary over a six-month period and analyzed consumer conversations about mobile payments to assess people's willingness to adopt mobile payment services, said MasterCard and Prime Research. The analysis across 43 markets and in 26 languages shows social media com March 2013 tions under which invalid RINs must be replaced with valid RINs, and by whom. The proposed rule allows verification of RINs to begin this year. The RFS program, which was established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and later modified through the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, requires that specified volumes of renewable fuel be used as transportation fuel, home heating oil, and/or jet fuel each year. Renewable fuel producers and importers generate RINs based on the volume of compliant renewable fuel that they make available. RINs can then be traded and used by petroleum refiners and importers ("obligated parties") to show compliance with their volume obligations. Following a number of high profile RIN fraud cases, EPA expects its rulemaking to improve the overall liquidity in the RIN market and in particular make it easier for smaller renewable fuel producers to sell their RINs. EPA worked closely with stakeholders in developing the proposal. More information on the proposed rule and the RFS program: epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm. mentary concerning mobile payment technology among Early Adopters is mixed in tone (58 percent positive/factual) while those yet to adopt are more positive overall (76 percent positive/factual). Most posts praised aspects including innovation, convenience and speed. In the United States, users show interest in the compatibility of mobile payments with other payment systems during the transaction process. Other drivers of discussion center on value, longer-term benefits, as well as security. Similarly, conversations stemming from Canada present similar priorities despite lower volume. n API and others appeal E15 decision to U.S. Supreme Court The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association are among trade groups that said they had appealed a D.C. Circuit Court decision that lets stand a waiver allowing sale of E15. The groups said in statements on their websites that they had filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking that it reverse an August 2012 decision by the D.C. Circuit Court. That decision dismissed a challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency's ruling to allow gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) to be sold for cars manufactured in the 2007 model year or later. The original suit objected to the EPA's decision on the grounds that granting a "partial waiver" of the Clean Air Act – allowing E15 to be used only in cars built after model year 2006 – is not within the agency's legal authority. The petitioners argued that under the Clean Air Act the EPA administrator may only grant a waiver for a new fuel additive if it "will not cause or contribute to a failure of any emission control device or system." Last August, the DC Circuit dismissed the case on the grounds that none of the 17 petitioners had standing to challenge the E15 waiver. NPN Magazine n www.npnweb.com