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Biobased and Renewable Products Update |
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February 21, 2019 |
Federal
EPA Publishes Its Annual Draft Inventory Of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Sinks: 1990-2017
On February 12, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2017 (Emissions Inventory) for public review. EPA is requesting recommendations on how to improve the overall quality of the Emissions Inventory, which is expected to be issued in final in April 2019. The Emissions Inventory tracks U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sinks by man-made source and economic sector since 1990. Once it is prepared in final, the Emissions Inventory will then be submitted to the United Nations in accordance with the Framework Convention on Climate Change. The deadline for comment submission is March 14, 2019; the full Emissions Inventory can be accessed here. In addition, EPA has also developed an interactive tool for interested parties to access the data from the national greenhouse gas inventory. Users can create customized graphs, download data, and analyze trends over time. Once the Emissions Inventory is published in April, the national greenhouse gas inventory will be updated accordingly.
Research
University Of Manchester Is Awarded £10 Million For A Biomanufacturing Research Hub
On February 13, 2019, the University of Manchester was awarded £10 million by the English government. These funds are to be used in the launching of a country-wide biomanufacturing research hub to lead the way in new medicines and sustainable energy solutions. To be led by Professor Niguel Scrutton, the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH) will focus on the development of biotechnologies in three sectors: pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and engineering materials. Professor Scrutton stated: “With the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), the University already has one of Europe’s leading industry-interfaced institutes, with world-leading capabilities in bio-based chemicals synthesis and manufacture. Now, with the addition of the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, it will take it to an even higher level.” Part of a £30 million government investment into the UK’s research and manufacturing sector, the funding comes from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). FBRH intends to bring together 67 partners from industry, public sector, and universities to revolutionize industrial biotechnology.
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®)
B&C Launches TSCA Tutor™ Modular Training Platform
B&C is pleased to announce an exciting and important new component to our suite of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) offerings. Our TSCA Tutor™ training platform provides live in-person training at a company’s site, live online training, and pre-recorded webinar training modules — all designed to offer expert, efficient, and essential TSCA training. Companies can mix and match training modules and training approaches to provide the most suitable combination for their work needs. B&C developed TSCA Tutor in recognition that TSCA awareness is a critically important element in the 21st century work environment for any business that involves industrial chemicals. The new normal requires awareness of TSCA’s application to a company’s operations to ensure consistent compliance with TSCA regulations and, importantly, to understand and anticipate how EPA ongoing implementation of new TSCA will impact a company’s industrial chemical selection and use processes. B&C is now scheduling its TSCA Tutor sessions with a full schedule available online. Companies interested in finding out more, or those ready to sign up for TSCA Tutor sessions, should contact TSCAtutor@lawbc.com for pricing and scheduling information.
Events
Biobased Materials: Lignin Webinar
On February 26, 2019, Bio-based World News will host a webinar titled: “The new wave in bio-based materials: maximum value from lignin with industry-specific fractions.” The webinar, as implied in its title, will focus on renewable biochemical and biobased materials derived from lignocellulosic feedstock. New fractionation technologies of lignin, including controlled fragmentation, polymerization, depolymerization, and activation, allow for its entire biomass to be used. The webinar will provide further insight into these new technologies and its potential to reduce the environmental footprint.
Other News
| 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. |
Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group 2200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Suite 100W Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 833-6580 www.braginfo.org |