BUTLER, N.J., Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Environment, Inc., a leader in independent greenhouse gas verification with more than 20 years of experience, announced today the expansion of its verification team with eight newly qualified Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) verifiers.

First Environment has expanded its verification team with eight newly qualified LCFS verifiers:

Vanessa Huerta brings expertise in chemical engineering, greenhouse gas validation and verification, and environmental regulatory matters, with experience supporting LCFS and CARB Mandatory Reporting Regulation engagements.

Katie Senney is an environmental engineer with experience in environmental engineering, cost modeling, remediation technologies, and climate action planning.

Dan Ligon is an environmental scientist and GIS specialist with experience in environmental field investigations, monitoring, spatial analysis, and technical data collection.

Steven Klimowski is a geophysicist and senior data analyst with expertise in energy, oil and gas, subsurface data, GIS, statistical analysis, and data-driven environmental applications.

Ellen Reid, PG brings nearly 30 years of environmental consulting experience, including greenhouse gas verification, emissions inventories, regulatory compliance, and climate change management.

Pakarat Promyu is an environmental engineer with international experience in life-cycle assessment, carbon-intensity analysis, GREET modeling, greenhouse gas inventories, and low-carbon fuels.

Luke Monhollon brings expertise in environmental engineering and greenhouse gas management, supporting First Environment’s broader verification and environmental consulting capabilities.

Laura Suppes, CQM brings more than 13 years of experience in quality management, compliance, and regulated industries, including support for greenhouse gas accounting, carbon offset, RIN, and Section 45Z verification programs.

Their addition significantly increases the firm’s capacity to deliver independent, technically rigorous verification for fuel pathway developers and producers navigating LCFS and the emerging Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit.

“The clean-fuel market is moving fast, and producers need verification partners who combine deep regulatory knowledge with rigorous technical expertise,” said B. Tod Delaney, PhD, PE, BCEE, President of First Environment. “These new team members expand our ability to deliver independent, audit-ready verification while upholding the standards of independence and technical excellence that have defined our practice for more than two decades.”

Built on the Foundation of U.S. Carbon Markets

First Environment’s verification practice began in 2003 as a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), the first carbon trading program in the United States. That early work in carbon accounting, offset validation, and third-party verification established the firm’s approach to today’s most demanding programs, including:

• CARB LCFS (Fuel Pathways, Alternative Fuels, Petroleum Fuels)
• CARB Mandatory Reporting Regulation (MRR)
• Oregon Clean Fuels Program and GHGRP
• Washington MGHGMP
• Multiple carbon offset and credit programs (CAR, ACR, Climate Forward, and others)
  

Verification services are conducted under First Environment’s ANAB-accredited ISO 14064-3 validation and verification body accreditation or the requirements of the applicable regulatory or program regime.

Section 45Z and Clean-Fuel Services

In addition to LCFS, First Environment supports clients pursuing the federal Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit with:

• GREET-based carbon-intensity modeling review
• Pathway eligibility and system-boundary validation
• Feedstock traceability and mass-balance testing
• Emissions quantification and monitoring-plan review
• Independent production and transaction data verification
• Assertion/attestation reports and IRS-ready documentation packages

Readiness and advisory services, including gap assessments, protocol development, and pre-verification reviews, help clients prepare efficiently for formal verification.

Why Clients Choose First Environment

• Independent third-party verifier
• Engineering-based technical depth
• Proven experience across regulated fuel and GHG programs
• Longstanding leadership in ISO greenhouse gas standards
• Trusted by regulators, registries, and industry
  

“First Environment has been active in carbon markets since well before today’s clean-fuel programs existed,” Delaney added. “That history gives us perspective on how these markets have evolved, and how to help fuel producers navigate LCFS, 45Z, and the next generation of requirements with confidence.”

About First Environment

Founded in 1987, First Environment, Inc. is an environmental engineering and consulting firm providing greenhouse gas management, lifecycle analysis, independent verification, and regulatory compliance services across the United States and internationally. A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business, the firm combines engineering expertise with internationally recognized ISO standards to deliver independent, technically rigorous verification clients can trust.

For more information about First Environment’s LCFS, Section 45Z, and clean-fuel verification services, visit www.firstenvironment.com.

Media Contact:
Richard James
First Environment, Inc.
rjames@firstenvironment.com        
973.334.0003