Biobased Products News and Policy Report

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Biobased and Renewable Products Update

May 17, 2018


EPA


EPA Sends Proposed Rule For 2019 RFS Volumes To OMB

On May 11, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a proposed renewable fuel standard (RFS) biofuel volumes rule for 2019 to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for pre-publication review.  The proposed rule addresses 2019 renewable blending obligations for cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total biofuel, with a proposed 2020 percentage standard for biomass-based diesel. The 2019 blending requirement for biomass-based diesel is 2.1 billion gallons and was included in a final rule from 2017.

USDA


Draft Environmental Impact Statement And Preliminary Pest Risk Assessment For GE Citrus Tristeza Virus Permit Now Available

On May 11, 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the availability of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for public review and comment. This document evaluates the possible environmental impacts from a potential approval of a permit to release a genetically engineered (GE) Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) through Florida.  This GE plant virus would be used as a biological control agent to help manage Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, which can devastate the citrus industry. This notice is available in the Federal Register and is open for comments through June 25, 2018.

USDA BioPreferred Program Awards Biobased Product Label To Tremco’s POWERply® Endure™ BIO Adhesive

On May 9, 2018, Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance announced that its POWERply® Endure™ BIO Adhesive had earned the Certified Biobased Product label from the USDA BioPreferred Program. Tremco’s adhesive is made of 71 percent biobased material with ultra-low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that meet California VOC limits. Four other Tremco Roofing products have the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label, including AlphaGuard™ BIO Base Coat, AlphaGuard BIO Top Coat, Rock-It® WB, and Low Rise Foam Insulation Adhesive Green. The USDA BioPreferred Program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and expanded by the 2014 Farm Bill, and provides third-party verification of a product’s biobased content. This program was created to increase the development, purchase, and use of biobased products.

Other News

 

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Plastics Technology, “Focus on Renewable Chemicals Expands for Braskem

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Wired, This Spider-topping Super Wood Is the Strongest Biomaterial Ever

Design News, “Bioplastics Get Tougher and Greener: Durable and Engineering-grade Versions Are Appearing in Cars and Consumer Electronics, as Well as Appliances and Toys

Composites World, “Sicomin Bio-based Epoxy Earns ECOBOARD Qualification

 

 

 

ABOUT THE FIRM
The Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®) helps members develop and bring to market their innovative biobased chemical products through insightful policy and regulatory advocacy. BRAG is managed by B&C® Consortia Management, L.L.C., an affiliate of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

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