The Position
The Renewable Fuel Standard Technical Advisory Committee’s (RFS TAC) objective is to advise the Bureau Director on implementation of Portland City Code 16.60 . The RFS TAC will advise the Bureau Director of any technical or economic issues associated with renewable fuel supply when it comes to meeting minimum fuel content requirements and carbon intensity standards as shown in the table below:
Table 1 - Minimum Biofuel Content Requirements for Retail Diesel Sales
Fuel Type by Volume
Current
July 1, 2024
July 1, 2026
July 1, 2030
Diesel
95%
85%
50%
1%
Renewable Fuel with CI value* 40 or <
5%
15%
50%
99%
*CI value = lifecycle carbon intensity of 40 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule (gCO 2 e/MJ).
At this time, the RFS TAC committee consists of six renewable fuel producers and suppliers (both wholesale and retail) and an economist. One seat is open during this application round. Preference will be given to a distributor or retailer of diesel fuel with an in-depth understanding of the Portland market. The RFS TAC was established in July, 2023 and meets quarterly, or as needed, through 2030. The next meeting takes place on June 6, from 9:30 - 11:00 AM via Zoom. This is a temporary body dissolving by December 31, 2030. To learn more visit Renewable Fuel Standard Technical Advisory Committee (RFS TAC) | Portland.gov
The RFS TAC will issue a report to the BPS Director regarding renewable fuel market conditions, including an assessment of supply availability and costs by October 15, 2025, seven months in advance of the May 15, 2026, effective date for the 50% blending requirement, and by October 15, 2029, seven months in advance of the May 15, 2030 effective date for the 99% blending requirement.
Report findings will be considered by the Director who can use interim rule authority to adjust the Minimum Biofuel Content Requirements and Carbon Intensity Standard if the requirements are temporarily infeasible due to economic or technical circumstances or can be accelerated prior to May 15th 2030. In addition, report findings will be used by BPS staff to report to City Council on or before February 15, 2026 and February 15, 2030. Use of interim rule authority is based on the Director’s sole discretion, including RFS TAC recommendations, stakeholder feedback, and staff recommendations.
RFS TAC reporting deadlines are: - October 15, 2025.
- October 15, 2029.
To Qualify
To be eligible for th e advisory committee, members must work , do business or want to do business i n the City of Portland .
What W e L ook F or
If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices , then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process . It is helpful if y ou are specific in your answers . We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.
- You believe government is better when community is involved.
- You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.
- Deep understanding of diesel fuel market including renewable fuel alternatives, their supply, demand, production and prices.
Time Commitment
- Remaining 2024 meetings take place via Zoom on June 6 and September 26.
- Members are involved for a duration of up to two, four -year terms , or no more tha n 8 consecutive years .
- The anticipated time commitment per quarter is 2-6 hours.
- Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time . M eeting materials for review may be sent with minimal time to review, possibly as few as forty-eight hours (or two days) in advance .
We Remove B arriers
Let us know if there are barriers to your participation. Dinner will be provided at evening meetings . P ublic transportation or parking passes will be available if you need those to fully participate .
Volunteer Ethics
People who join this committee will be come what we call “ Public O fficials , ” which means that while you serve you must behave fair and ethically . We will provide training on this once you are accepted. Part of following Public Officials E thics laws means you must tell the group when y ou or a relative may financially benefit ( or avoid fees ) by your recommendations . This is called a “ C onfl ict of I nterest.” If you tell us about potential C onflicts of I nterest that does not mean you cannot serve , in fact , m any committees have potential members with Conflicts of I nterest . We appreciate your ethical inclusion of possible Conflicts of Interest on the f orm included in the application.
The Recruitment Process
Applications are due by 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 . To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at pam.neild@portlandoregon.gov or (971) 288-8638.
Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Information
The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Completing the demographic information on the application is voluntary, but we encourage you to provide that information. The City uses this information to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment nor the selection process. State and federal law prohibit use of this information to discriminate against you. Questions about this may be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov
General Questions
For general questions about the Advisory Bodies program, the volunteer recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities please email AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov .
We Encourage You to Apply
We welcome you to browse our website to learn more about the bureau. To learn more visit Renewable Fuel Standard Technical Advisory Committee (RFS TAC) | Portland.gov
Do you have questions or need more information? Email pam.neild @portlandoregon.gov or (971) 288-8638.
Additional Information
Meeting Location Currently, many advisory bodies are meeting remotely due to COVID-19. In the future, meetings could: 1) be conducted fully remotely, or 2) be conducted remotely and in person (hybrid model). As the situation evolves, the exact meeting location may change based upon leadership direction and approval.
City of Portland volunteers are unpaid; therefore, employment benefits are not available.
Closing Date/Time: 5/22/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
