New Low Carbon Synthetic Fuels Association (LCSFA) Forms;
Urges EPA to Promote the Cleanest Renewable Fuels Compatible with Existing Fuels Infrastructure

Advanced biofuel producers announced the formation of the Low CarbonSynthetic Fuels Association (LCSFA), with members including TRI,Rentech Inc., Velocys, CHOREN, Flambeau River Biofuels/Johnson Timber,AP Fuels and World GTL. The LCSFA was formed to address existinglegislative and regulatory inequities that have slowed or even hinderedthe development of advanced biofuels. To date, federal programs haveresulted in incentives that do not necessarily promote or reward thebest performing and most environmentally friendly fuels.

Specifically, the LCSFA represents the Biomass-to-Liquids (BtL)industry. One of the cleanest and most proven advanced biofuels, BtLis produced through the gasification of renewable biomass and thesubsequent conversion of the gasified biomass using the Fischer-Tropsch(F-T) synthesis process. The renewable fuels produced arepredominantly synthetic diesel and jet fuel, which are nearly identicalto current crude oil-derived fuels, although significantly cleaner.

BtL fuels rely on an established synthesis technology (F-T) which canbe brought to market quickly, unlike many other advanced biofuels,which remain in the research and development or “pre-commercial“stages. BtL fuels can be produced from abundant, non-food organicmaterials such as wood waste from urban recycling programs, paper millsor forestry residues, without increasing land use. Moreover, BtL fuelsare fully compatible with the existing fuels infrastructure, enhanceengine performance, and reduce emissions.

“We look forward to advanced biofuels mandated by Congress that willensure the safe use and performance of the more than 400 million engineproducts in use today. LCSFA members may offer a viable solution toachieving national renewable fuel mandates,” said Kris Kiser, ExecutiveVP of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and Spokesperson for AllSAFE,a national manufacturing coalition of major onroad and nonroad engine,vehicle, and equipment manufacturers whose members’ products consumegasoline, diesel, and the variety of biofuels that are blended withthose conventional fuels.

Through the LCSFA, participants along the whole value chain (frombiomass feedstock producers, gasification and F-T technology providers,and project developers, to consumers of the product and manufacturersof affected engines, vehicles and equipment) can speak with one voiceto achieve needed improvements and incentives.

On September 25, the LCSFA urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its commentsto promote clean, renewable advanced biofuels that improve air quality,reduce GHG emissions, and are compatible with the existing engines,equipment and fuels infrastructure. This week, the EPA will beginconsidering comments on its “Changes to Renewable Fuel StandardProgram” (“RFS2 Proposal”).The LCSFA’s comments are endorsed by a range of partners includingAuburn University, Audi America, Chemrec AB, Mercedes Benz USA, PacificRenewable Fuels, Renewable Energy Institute International, andVolkswagen.

“A well constructed renewable fuels standard that rewards fuels fortheir quality, performance and ability to reduce emissions will clearlybe helpful to the growth of BtL fuels,” said Doug Miller, ExecutiveVice President, Renewable Energy Businesses for Rentech Inc.