Unlocking the Power of 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit with First Environment
At First Environment, we are proud to expand our suite of services to support clients navigating the new 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. This federal incentive, which replaces several expired fuel-related credits at the end of 2024, including biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offers significant value to fuel producers. The credit is calculated based on a fuel’s life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making third-party verification an essential step for claiming maximum benefits.
Why 45Z Matters?
The 45Z credit incentivizes cleaner, low-carbon fuels by scaling credit value relative to the emissions reduction achieved versus a baseline. For sustainable aviation fuel, third-party certification is mandatory. For other renewable fuels, certification provides safe harbor, ensuring compliance and early access to credits for 2025 even before final regulations are issued.
Why Choose First Environment?
First Environment brings decades of experience and unmatched qualifications to the 45Z space:
- Certified GHG Verifiers: We are accredited under ISO 14065 and approved as a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) verifier by the state of California.
- Experienced Teams: Our professionals have deep expertise in verification, lifecycle assessment, and the use of the GREET model for evaluating fuel carbon intensity.
- Proven Track Record: Since 1987, we have helped clients navigate complex environmental and climate challenges.
Our team—led by U.S. Army Veteran Tod Delaney—includes engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, attorneys, economists, and lifecycle assessment experts who bring a breadth of knowledge few firms can match. We remain active in international climate discussions, including the UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties, ensuring that our practices align with the latest standards and global best practices.
GHG Verification Expertise
First Environment has been at the forefront of GHG verification and validation:
- Among the first companies accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to ISO 14065 over 17 years ago.
- Recognized multiple times as “Best Verification Company” for North American carbon markets by Environmental Finance (2011, 2012, 2019).
- First approved verifier for the California Climate Action Registry (now Climate Action Reserve) with methodologies covering biochar, livestock, landfill, organic waste digestion, and coal mine methane.
- Approved LCFS verifier, providing experience in assessing the carbon intensity of fuels, a key criterion under 45Z.
Our staff includes licensed professional engineers with extensive third-party auditing experience, ensuring that all verification, engineering certifications, and RIN verifications meet the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
How We Support Your 45Z Certification?
Whether you produce biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol, SAF, or other renewable fuels, First Environment can provide the expertise needed to navigate 45Z certification efficiently. Our proven processes and qualified staff help fuel producers claim credits with confidence while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements.
Ready to maximize your 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit?
