So, there appears to be some "fact" to Western States Petroleum's sales policy change the past few days, where they have only been selling B80, instead of their usual B99. When I was in last Friday, they said it was because of a new federal regulation requiring a unique, 38-digit ID number be assigned to "all purchasers" of alt-fuel greater than 80% biodiesel.
Though their response seemed a bit reactionary to me, I have since found out the basis of the reaction. A new regulation did, indeed, go into effect this past September 1, requiring a 38-digit Renewable Identification Number (RIN) be assigned to all batches of renewable fuels produced or imported into the US. This RIN is then tracked throughout the subsequent brokering, selling and use of that batch of fuel, seemingly right down to the end-consumer.
However, there is also provision within the regulation for exempting a downstream purchaser, if the blend of biodiesel they buy is B80 or less (hence WSP's current "blending" of their biodiesel). However, WSP's policy change may be more about misinterpretation of the new regulations than anything. Here is a link provided by a poster at the Biodiesel & SVO Forums website, that gives some insight into not only the potential misunderstanding, but also the almost nauseating complexity of this new regulation...
I will talk with Bob and Susie at WSP in the next few days, and find out more about what their understanding of this regulation is, and what needs to be done to get past this (self-imposed) restriction of B80 or less.
fortitudine
