World Energy, CARB settle LCFS reporting violations inherited from previous Paramount plant owner

California Air Resources Board recently reached a $132,500 settlement with World Energy on Low Carbon Fuel Standard reporting violations that occurred at the former AltAir plant before World Energy acquired the Paramount, California-based renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production facility in March 2018.

Following World Energy’s acquisition of AltAir, the company discovered while under previous ownership its production volumes had been incorrectly reported to the LCFS online reporting system.

“The company immediately reported the error to CARB and corrected the issue,” World Energy said in a statement.

CARB staff determined Altair made unauthorized changes to quarterly and annual reports, reclassifying certain fuel volumes and adding previously unreported gasoline sales.

“World Energy is fully supportive of CARB’s resolution of this matter, its continuing efforts to maintain the integrity of the LCFS program and its mission to drive the world toward a more sustainable future,” World Energy stated.

CARB acknowledged World Energy’s cooperation, adding that the company is now in full compliance.

“The Low Carbon Fuel Standard is a critical part of California’s effort to attack climate change by displacing fossil fuels,” said Richard Corey, executive officer at CARB. “Accurate reporting is basic to its success and filing inaccurate information threatens the integrity of the program.”

Of the $132,500 settlement, $66,500 is going into California’s Air Pollution Control Fund while the other $66,000 will fund a Supplemental Environmental Project developed by Tree Fresno to evaluate the effectiveness of using vegetative barriers to reduce near-road pollution exposure.

World Energy is one of the largest and longest-serving advanced biofuel suppliers in North America. Founded in 1998, the company operates biodiesel manufacturing plants in Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Canada, in addition to its renewable diesel facility in California and distribution hubs throughout the U.S. and Canada.