fraud
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EPA investigates biofuel fraud concerns
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is auditing renewable fuel producers for possible fraudulent use of unsustainable feedstocks in biodiesel production.
In short:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun auditing renewable fuel producers over concerns that some companies may be fraudulently using unsustainable feedstocks like virgin palm oil, which are labeled as used cooking oil to earn government subsidies.
- These audits were initiated after the EPA updated supply chain accounting requirements in July 2023, aimed at ensuring the authenticity of materials used in producing biodiesel, a process eligible for various state and federal incentives.
- U.S. senators have urged federal agencies to rigorously verify both domestic and imported feedstocks to maintain integrity in biofuel production and avoid undermining efforts to promote sustainable energy.
Key quote:
“EPA has conducted audits of renewable fuel producers since July 2023 which includes, among other things, an evaluation of the locations that used cooking oil used in renewable fuel production was collected.”
— Jeffrey Landis, EPA spokesperson.
Why this matters:
The integrity of biofuel production is crucial for achieving environmental goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Fraudulent practices could undermine the transition to sustainable energy sources and harm environmental and economic policies designed to support renewable fuels.
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Credit: MPCA Photos/Flickr
Plastics industry's recycling deception exposed
A new report uncovers decades of misleading claims by plastic producers about the viability of recycling, revealing it as a flawed solution for waste management.
- The Center for Climate Integrity's report uncovers that the plastics industry has promoted recycling as a viable option for decades, despite knowing its limitations.
- Recycling plastic is not economically or technically feasible due to the need for meticulous sorting and the degradation of materials upon reuse.
- Evidence suggests that the industry's misleading marketing campaigns about recycling may have violated consumer protection laws.
Key quote:
"It’s time to hold them accountable for the damage they’ve caused."
— Richard Wiles, president of the Center for Climate Integrity
Why this matters:
This exposé lays bare the profound disconnect between the plastics industry's public facade and its internal acknowledgment of recycling's limitations. Recycling plastics is extremely problematic due to toxic chemical additives.
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Credit: VanderWolf Images/BigStock Photo ID: 463290307
E.V. start-up founder could get prison term in fraud case
Trevor Milton, who founded the truck company Nikola, will be sentenced on Monday in a fraud case that exposed the excesses in the electric vehicle business.
Paul (unless labeled Cathy!)/Flickrhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Ohio commission approves fracking in state parks and wildlife areas despite fraud investigation
A state commission in Ohio has voted to approve fracking for oil and gas drilling in state parks and designated wildlife areas.
| BigStock Photo ID: 456977425 |
| Copyright: tanaonte |
How to avoid getting scammed by greenwashing
Deceptive eco-marketing techniques prey on consumers looking to make responsible purchases. Follow these tips to avoid getting duped.
Man is sentenced in $9 million cow manure Ponzi scheme
Raymond Brewer defrauded investors by falsely telling them he was building machines that could convert cow manure into biogas, federal prosecutors said.
Ken Bosma/Flickr/Commercial use & mods allowedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
The billion-dollar Ponzi scheme that hooked Wall Street, Warren Buffett, and the U.S. Treasury
How a small-town auto mechanic peddling a green-energy breakthrough pulled off a massive scam.
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