Washington governor signs renewable natural gas bill
Proponents of low-carbon fuels in Washington state have secured a legislative victory that should expand the role of renewable natural gas.
Governor Jay Inslee (D) yesterday signed into law a bill that requires the state to submit recommendations on how to promote the sustainable development and use of renewable natural gas, while pursuing voluntary gas quality standards for the injection of the product into natural gas pipelines. The bill also reinstates and expands several tax incentives for the industry.
"This bill will help in our fight against climate change by reducing highly-polluting methane emissions and displacing fossil fuels with low-carbon, renewable sources of biogas," said Inslee. "As we transition to a clean-energy future, this will help us promote production of renewable natural gas from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food processing, and agriculture."
The measure, HB 2580, received broad support in the Legislature, passing the Senate by a 47-1 vote and the House unanimously.
Backers of the new law said it will help reduce methane emissions and decarbonize natural gas infrastructure.
"By supporting renewable natural gas project development, Washington's leaders are supporting the creation of clean energy sector jobs, improved air quality and public health," said Johannes Escudero, chief executive officer of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.
Renewable natural gas, also known as biomethane, is a more processed form of biogas and can be used to produce renewable electricity, heat and low-carbon transportation fuels. Biogas develops through the decomposition of organic materials like those found in landfills, wastewater treatment plants or dairy farms.
Two of the approximately 70 renewable natural gas plants in the US operate in Washington. The Cedar Hills Landfill produces the fuel from municipal solid waste, while the King County South Treatment Plant takes advantage of wastewater. One additional landfill facility is under construction and two more projects are planned for the near future, according to the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.
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US Gulf oil shut-ins drop as Helene nears landfall
US Gulf oil shut-ins drop as Helene nears landfall
New York, 26 September (Argus) — US Gulf of Mexico oil production shut-in levels fell today as Hurricane Helene bore down on Florida's west coast as a category 3 storm, bringing the threat of dangerous storm surge and winds. Around 441,923 b/d of US offshore oil output, or 25pc, was off line as of 12:30pm ET, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). That is down from 29pc on Wednesday as the eastern Gulf path of the storm took it farther away from most offshore production facilities. About 363.39mn cf/d of natural gas production, or 20pc of the region's output, was also off line today, up from 17pc on Wednesday. Operators have evacuated workers from 27 offshore platforms. Helene was last about 145 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida, packing maximum winds of 120mph, according to a 4pm ET advisory from the US National Hurricane Center. Further intensification is likely and Helene could approach the coast at category 4 strength, with winds of at least 130mph. Landfall is expected near Port Leon on Apalachee Bay Thursday evening before Helene is forecast to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and into the weekend. Earlier this week, offshore operators including BP, Equinor and Chevron took the precaution of suspending some operations and evacuating workers from offshore facilities in advance of the hurricane. Some facilities have since started back up as the hurricane's track shifted away from the main oil and gas hub in the region. By Stephen Cunningham Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
New York picks WCI for carbon market platform
New York picks WCI for carbon market platform
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Hurricane Helene shuts in 29pc of US Gulf oil
Hurricane Helene shuts in 29pc of US Gulf oil
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