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POET pushes ‘pause’ on cellulosic ethanol production

Ethanol producer POET says it will “pause production” of cellulosic ethanol at its Project LIBERTY cellulosic plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa.

In a news release, POET says the action is a result of EPA challenges with the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The company says it will focus on improving operational efficiency at the plant with the goal of improving mechanical reliability, and licensing technology in countries which favorably support the use of low carbon fuels from crop residue and other biomass.

It will use biomass stored on site or already under contract and will not purchase additional biomass at this time, POET says.