Biggest changeThe success of our RNG business depends, in large part, on our ability to (i) secure, on acceptable terms, an adequate supply of RNG and/or Environmental Attributes from third-party producers, (ii) sell RNG in sufficient volumes and at prices that are attractive to counterparties and produce acceptable margins for us, and (iii) generate and monetize Environmental Attributes under applicable federal or state programs at favorable prices.
Biggest changeAn unexpected reduction in RNG production by third-party producers of RNG with whom we maintain marketing agreements to purchase RNG and/or the associated Environmental Attributes, or their inability or refusal to deliver such RNG or Environmental Attributes as provided under such agreements, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and could adversely affect or performance under associated dispensing agreements. 33 The success of our RNG business depends, in large part, on our ability to (i) secure, on acceptable terms, an adequate supply of RNG and/or Environmental Attributes from third-party producers, (ii) sell RNG in sufficient volumes and at prices that are attractive to counterparties and produce acceptable margins for us, and (iii) generate and monetize Environmental Attributes under applicable federal or state programs at favorable prices.
We obtain biogas rights to utilize the biogas and the biogas project sites on which our projects operate under contractual arrangements, with the associated biogas rights generally being for fixed terms of 20 years (or more) and certain additional renewal options.
We obtain rights to utilize the biogas and the biogas project sites on which our projects operate under contractual arrangements, with the associated biogas rights generally being for fixed terms of 20 years or more, with certain additional renewal options.
In developing and operating our Biogas Conversion Projects and Fueling Stations, we rely on products meeting our design specifications and components manufactured and supplied by third parties, and on services performed by our subcontractors.
In developing and operating our Biogas Conversion Projects and Fueling Stations, we rely on products meeting our design specifications, components manufactured and supplied by third parties and services performed by our subcontractors.
We are permitted to make wholesale sales (that is, sales for resale) of renewable electricity, capacity, and ancillary services from our QFs with a net generating capacity that does not exceed 20 megawatts or that is an “eligible” facility as defined by section 3(17)(E) of the Federal Power Act without obtaining (a) authorization by FERC pursuant to the Federal Power Act to sell electric energy, capacity and/or ancillary services at market-based rates, (b) acceptance by FERC of a tariff providing for such sales, and (c) granting by FERC of such regulatory waivers and blanket authorizations as are customarily granted by FERC to holders of market-based rate authority, including blanket authorization under section 204 of the Federal Power Act to issue securities and assume liabilities (“MBR Authority”) or any other approval from the U.S.
We are permitted to make wholesale sales (that is, sales for resale) of renewable electricity, capacity, and ancillary services from our QFs with a net generating capacity that does not exceed 20 megawatts or that is an “eligible” facility as defined by section 3(17)(E) of the Federal Power Act without (a) obtaining authorization by FERC pursuant to the Federal Power Act to sell electric energy, capacity and/or ancillary services at market-based rates, (b) acceptance by FERC of a tariff providing for such sales, and (c) granting by FERC of such regulatory waivers and blanket authorizations as are customarily granted by FERC to holders of market-based rate authority, including blanket authorization under section 204 of the Federal Power Act to issue securities and assume liabilities (“MBR Authority”) or any other approval from the U.S.
A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks, including our ability to raise additional funding on a timely basis or on acceptable terms. A weak or declining economy could also impact third parties upon whom we depend to run our business.
A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks, including our ability to raise additional funding on a timely basis or on acceptable terms. A weak or declining economy could also impact third parties upon whom we depend on to run our business.
Additional factors that may influence the adoption of natural gas vehicle fuels, many of which are beyond our control, include, among others: • Lack of demand for trucks that use natural gas vehicle fuels due to business disruptions and depressed oil prices; • Adoption of governmental policies or programs or increased publicity or popular sentiment in favor of vehicles or fuels other than natural gas, including long-standing support for gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, changes to emissions requirements applicable to vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or other vehicle fuels and/or growing support for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles; • Perceptions about the benefits of natural gas vehicle fuels relative to gasoline, diesel and other alternative vehicle fuels, including with respect to factors such as supply, cost savings, environmental benefits and safety; • Perceptions about the benefits of natural gas vehicle fuels relative to gasoline, diesel and other alternative vehicle fuels, including with respect to factors such as supply, cost savings, environmental benefits and safety; • The volatility in the supply, demand, use and prices of crude oil, gasoline, diesel, RNG, natural gas and other vehicle fuels, such as electricity, hydrogen, renewable diesel, biodiesel and ethanol; 38 • Inertia among fleets and fleet vehicle operators, who may be unable or unwilling to prioritize converting a fleet to our vehicle fuels over an operator’s other general business concerns, particularly if the operator is not sufficiently incentivized by emissions regulations or other requirements or lacks demand for the conversion from its counterparties or drivers; • Vehicle cost, fuel efficiency, availability, quality, safety, convenience (to fuel and service), design, performance and residual value, as well as operator perception with respect to these factors, generally and in our key customer markets and relative to comparable vehicles powered by other fuels; • The development, production, cost, availability, performance, sales and marketing and reputation of engines that are well-suited for the vehicles used in our key customer markets, including heavy and medium-duty trucks and other fleets; • Increasing competition in the market for vehicle fuels generally, and the nature and effect of competitive developments in such market, including improvements in or perceived advantages of other vehicle fuels and engines powered by such fuels; • The availability and effect of environmental, tax or other governmental regulations, programs or incentives that promote our products or other alternatives as a vehicle fuel, including certain programs under which we generate Environmental Attributes by selling RNG as a vehicle fuel, as well as the market prices for such credits; and • Emissions and other environmental regulations and pressures on producing, transporting, and dispensing our fuels.
Additional factors that may influence the adoption of natural gas vehicle fuels, many of which are beyond our control, include, among others: • lack of demand for trucks that use natural gas vehicle fuels due to business disruptions and depressed oil prices; • adoption of governmental policies or programs or increased publicity or popular sentiment in favor of vehicles or fuels other than natural gas, including long-standing support for gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, changes to emissions requirements applicable to vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or other vehicle fuels and/or growing support for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles; • perceptions about the benefits of natural gas vehicle fuels relative to gasoline, diesel and other alternative vehicle fuels, including with respect to factors such as supply, cost savings, environmental benefits and safety; • perceptions about the benefits of natural gas vehicle fuels relative to gasoline, diesel and other alternative vehicle fuels, including with respect to factors such as supply, cost savings, environmental benefits and safety; • the volatility in the supply, demand, use and prices of crude oil, gasoline, diesel, RNG, natural gas and other vehicle fuels, such as electricity, hydrogen, renewable diesel, biodiesel and ethanol; • inertia among fleets and fleet vehicle operators, who may be unable or unwilling to prioritize converting a fleet to our vehicle fuels over an operator’s other general business concerns, particularly if the operator is not sufficiently incentivized by emissions regulations or other requirements or lacks demand for the conversion from its counterparties or drivers; • vehicle cost, fuel efficiency, availability, quality, safety, convenience (to fuel and service), design, performance and residual value, as well as operator perception with respect to these factors, generally and in our key customer markets and relative to comparable vehicles powered by other fuels; • the development, production, cost, availability, performance, sales and marketing and reputation of engines that are well-suited for the vehicles used in our key customer markets, including heavy and medium-duty trucks and other fleets; • increasing competition in the market for vehicle fuels generally, and the nature and effect of competitive developments in such market, including improvements in or perceived advantages of other vehicle fuels and engines powered by such fuels; • the availability and effect of environmental, tax or other governmental regulations, programs or incentives that promote our products or other alternatives as a vehicle fuel, including certain programs under which we generate Environmental Attributes by selling RNG as a vehicle fuel, as well as the market prices for such credits; and • emissions and other environmental regulations and pressures on producing, transporting, and dispensing our fuels.
Additional risks related to acquiring existing projects, include: • the purchase price we pay could significantly deplete our cash reserves or result in dilution to our existing stockholders; • the acquired companies or assets may not improve our customer offerings or market position as planned; • we may have difficulty integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired companies; • key personnel and counterparties of the acquired companies may terminate their relationships with the acquired companies as a result of or following the acquisition; • we may experience additional financial and accounting challenges and complexities in certain areas, such as tax planning and financial reporting; • we may incur additional costs and expenses related to complying with additional laws, rules or regulations in new jurisdictions; • we may assume or be held liable for risks and liabilities (including for environmental-related costs) as a result of our acquisitions, some of which we may not discover during our due diligence or adequately adjust for in our acquisition arrangements; • our ongoing business and management’s attention may be disrupted or diverted by transition or integration issues and the complexity of managing geographically diverse enterprises; • we may incur one-time write-offs or restructuring charges in connection with an acquisition; • we may acquire goodwill and other intangible assets that are subject to amortization or impairment tests, which could result in future charges to earnings; • we may acquire goodwill and other intangible assets that are subject to amortization or impairment tests, which could result in future charges to earnings; and • we may not be able to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits we anticipated.
Additional risks related to acquiring existing projects, include: • the purchase price we pay could significantly deplete our cash reserves or result in dilution to our existing stockholders; • the acquired companies or assets may not improve our customer offerings or market position as planned; • we may have difficulty integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired companies; 32 • key personnel and counterparties of the acquired companies may terminate their relationships with the acquired companies as a result of or following the acquisition; • we may experience additional financial and accounting challenges and complexities in certain areas, such as tax planning and financial reporting; • we may incur additional costs and expenses related to complying with additional laws, rules or regulations in new jurisdictions; • we may assume or be held liable for risks and liabilities (including for environmental-related costs) as a result of our acquisitions, some of which we may not discover during our due diligence or adequately adjust for in our acquisition arrangements; • our ongoing business and management’s attention may be disrupted or diverted by transition or integration issues and the complexity of managing geographically diverse enterprises; • we may incur one-time write-offs or restructuring charges in connection with an acquisition; • we may acquire goodwill and other intangible assets that are subject to amortization or impairment tests, which could result in future charges to earnings; • we may acquire goodwill and other intangible assets that are subject to amortization or impairment tests, which could result in future charges to earnings; and • we may not be able to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits we anticipated.
Our substantial indebtedness and preferred units redemption obligations could have important consequences, including, for example: • being required to accept then-prevailing market terms in connection with any required refinancing of such indebtedness or redemption obligations, which may be less favorable than existing terms; • being required to accept then-prevailing market terms in connection with any required refinancing of such indebtedness or redemption obligations, which may be less favorable than existing terms; • failure to refinance, or to comply with the covenants in the agreements governing, these obligations could result in an event of default under those agreements, which could be difficult to cure or result in our bankruptcy; 41 • our debt service and dividend obligations require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt and dividends on our preferred units, thereby reducing the funds available to us and our ability to borrow to operate and grow our business; • Increase in interest rates on our existing debt facilities or a reduction in the supply of project debt financing could reduce our ability to construct and operate new RNG projects or fueling stations; • our limited financial flexibility could reduce our ability to plan for and react to unexpected opportunities; and • our substantial debt service obligations make us vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, credit and capital markets, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation and place us at a disadvantage compared with competitors with less debt or mandatory redeemable preferred units.
Our substantial indebtedness and preferred units redemption obligations could have important consequences, including, for example: • being required to accept then-prevailing market terms in connection with any required refinancing of such indebtedness or redemption obligations, which may be less favorable than existing terms; • being required to accept then-prevailing market terms in connection with any required refinancing of such indebtedness or redemption obligations, which may be less favorable than existing terms; • failure to refinance, or to comply with the covenants in the agreements governing, these obligations could result in an event of default under those agreements, which could be difficult to cure or result in our bankruptcy; • our debt service and dividend obligations require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt and dividends on our preferred units, thereby reducing the funds available to us and our ability to borrow to operate and grow our business; • increase in interest rates on our existing debt facilities or a reduction in the supply of project debt financing could reduce our ability to construct and operate new RNG projects or fueling stations; • our limited financial flexibility could reduce our ability to plan for and react to unexpected opportunities; and • our substantial debt service obligations make us vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, credit and capital markets, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation and place us at a disadvantage compared with competitors with less debt or mandatory redeemable preferred units.
These provisions, among other things: • authorize our board to issue new series of preferred stock without stockholder approval and create, subject to applicable law, a series of preferred stock with preferential rights to dividends or our assets upon liquidation, or with superior voting rights to the existing shares of common stock; • eliminate the ability of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders; • eliminate the ability of stockholders to fill vacancies on our board; • establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at annual stockholder meetings; • permit our board to establish the number of directors; • provide that our board is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the Bylaws; and • limit the jurisdictions in which certain stockholder litigation may be brought.
These provisions, among other things: 49 • authorize our board to issue new series of preferred stock without stockholder approval and create, subject to applicable law, a series of preferred stock with preferential rights to dividends or our assets upon liquidation, or with superior voting rights to the existing shares of common stock; • eliminate the ability of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders; • eliminate the ability of stockholders to fill vacancies on our board; • establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at annual stockholder meetings; • permit our board to establish the number of directors; • provide that our board is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the Bylaws; and • limit the jurisdictions in which certain stockholder litigation may be brought.
These executive orders (i) direct federal agencies to review and reverse more than one hundred actions taken by the previous US presidential administration on or relating to the environment, (ii) instruct the Director of National Intelligence to prepare a national intelligence estimate on the security implications of the climate crisis and direct all agencies to develop strategies for integrating climate considerations into their international work, (iii) establish the National Climate Task Force, which assembles leaders from across twenty one federal agencies and departments, (iv) commit to environmental justice and new, clean infrastructure projects, (v) commence development of emissions reduction targets and (vi) establish the special presidential envoy for climate on the National Security Council.
These executive orders (i) direct federal agencies to review and reverse more than one hundred actions taken by the previous US 22 presidential administration on or relating to the environment, (ii) instruct the Director of National Intelligence to prepare a national intelligence estimate on the security implications of the climate crisis and direct all agencies to develop strategies for integrating climate considerations into their international work, (iii) establish the National Climate Task Force, which assembles leaders from across twenty one federal agencies and departments, (iv) commit to environmental justice and new, clean infrastructure projects, (v) commence development of emissions reduction targets and (vi) establish the special presidential envoy for climate on the National Security Council.
While we have generally been successful in renewing biogas rights and in securing the additional rights necessary in connection with conversion from production of Renewable Power to RNG on specific projects, we cannot guarantee that this success will continue in the future on commercial terms that are attractive to us or at all, and any failure to do so, or any other disruption in the relationship with any of the biogas conversion project site owners and operators from whose biogas project sites our Biogas Conversion Projects obtain biogas or for whom we operate biogas facilities, may have a material adverse effect on our business operations, financial condition and operational results.
While we have generally been successful in renewing biogas rights and in securing additional rights necessary in connection with conversion from production of Renewable Power to RNG, we cannot guarantee that this success will continue in the future on commercial terms that are attractive to us or at all, and any failure to do so, or any other disruption in the relationship with any of the site owners and operators from whose biogas project sites our Biogas Conversion Projects obtain biogas or for whom we operate biogas facilities, may have a material adverse effect on our business operations, financial condition and operational results.
Moreover, even if such family relationship does not create an actual conflict, the perception of a conflict in the press or the financial or business community generally could create negative publicity or other reaction with respect to the business opportunity or other matters to be decided by us through our board, standing committees thereof, and management, which could adversely affect the business generated by us and our relationships with its existing customers and other counterparties, impact the behavior of third party participants or other persons in the proposed business opportunity or other matter to be decided, otherwise negatively impact our business prospects related to such matter, or negatively impact the trading market for our securities.
Moreover, even if such family relationship does not create an actual conflict, the perception of a conflict in the press or the financial or business community generally could create negative publicity or other reaction with respect to the business opportunity or other matters to be decided by us through our board, standing committees thereof, and management, which could adversely affect 47 the business generated by us and our relationships with its existing customers and other counterparties, impact the behavior of third party participants or other persons in the proposed business opportunity or other matter to be decided, otherwise negatively impact our business prospects related to such matter, or negatively impact the trading market for our securities.
Our ability to acquire, convert, develop and operate Biogas Conversion Projects, as well as expand production at current Biogas Conversion Projects, is subject to several additional risks, including: • regulatory changes that affect the value of RNG and the associated Environmental Attributes, which could have a significant effect on the financial performance of our Biogas Conversion Projects and the number of potential Biogas Conversion Projects with attractive economics; • changes in energy commodity prices, such as natural gas and wholesale electricity prices, which could have a significant effect on our revenues and expenses; • changes in pipeline gas quality standards or other regulatory changes that may limit our ability to transport RNG on pipelines for delivery to third parties or increase the costs of processing RNG to allow for such deliveries; • changes in the broader waste collection industry, including changes affecting the waste collection and biogas potential of the landfill industry, which could limit the LFG resource that we currently target for our Biogas Conversion Projects; • substantial construction risks, including the risk of delay, that may arise due to forces outside of our control, such as those related to engineering and environmental problems, inclement weather, inflationary pressures on materials and labor, and supply chain and labor disruptions; • operating risks and the effect of disruptions on our business, including the effects of global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, weather conditions, catastrophic events, such as fires, explosions, earthquakes, droughts and acts of terrorism, and other force majeure events that impact us, our counterparties, suppliers, distributors and subcontractors; • accidents involving personal injury or the loss of life; • entering into markets where we have less experience, such as our Biogas Conversion Projects for biogas recovery at livestock farms; • the ability to obtain financing for a Biogas Conversion Project on acceptable terms or at all and the need for substantially more capital than initially budgeted to complete Biogas Conversion Projects and exposure to liabilities as a result of unforeseen environmental, construction, technological or other complications; • failures or delays in obtaining desired or necessary land rights, including ownership, leases, easements, zoning rights and building permits; • a decrease in the availability, increased pricing on, and a delay in the timeliness of delivery of raw materials and components, necessary for the Biogas Conversion Projects to function or necessary for the conversion of a Biogas Conversion Projects from Renewable Power to RNG production; • obtaining and keeping in good standing permits, authorizations and consents from local city, county, state and US federal government agencies and organizations; • penalties, including potential termination, under short-term and long-term contracts for failing to produce or deliver a sufficient quantity and acceptable quality of RNG in accordance with our contractual obligations; • unknown regulatory changes related to the transportation of RNG, which may increase the transportation cost for delivering under our contracts then in effect; • the consent and authorization of local utilities or other energy development off-takers to ensure successful interconnection to energy grids to enable power and gas sales; and • difficulties in identifying, obtaining and permitting suitable sites for new Biogas Conversion Projects.
Our ability to acquire, convert, develop and operate Biogas Conversion Projects, as well as expand production at current Biogas Conversion Projects, is subject to several additional risks, including: • regulatory changes that affect the value of RNG and the associated Environmental Attributes, which could have a significant effect on the financial performance of our Biogas Conversion Projects and the number of potential Biogas Conversion Projects with attractive economics; • changes in energy commodity prices, such as natural gas and wholesale electricity prices, which could have a significant effect on our revenues and expenses; • changes in pipeline gas quality standards or other regulatory changes that may limit our ability to transport RNG on pipelines for delivery to third parties or increase the costs of processing RNG to allow for such deliveries; • changes in the broader waste collection industry, including changes affecting the waste collection and biogas potential of the landfill industry, which could limit the LFG resource that we currently target for our Biogas Conversion Projects; • substantial construction risks, including the risk of delay, that may arise due to forces outside of our control, such as those related to engineering and environmental problems, inclement weather, inflationary pressures on materials and labor, and supply chain and labor disruptions; • operating risks and the effect of disruptions on our business, including the effects of global health crises, weather conditions, catastrophic events, such as fires, explosions, earthquakes, droughts and acts of terrorism, and other force majeure events that impact us, our counterparties, suppliers, distributors and subcontractors; 31 • accidents involving personal injury or the loss of life; • entering into markets where we have less experience, such as our Biogas Conversion Projects for biogas recovery at livestock farms; • the ability to obtain financing for a Biogas Conversion Project on acceptable terms or at all and the need for substantially more capital than initially budgeted to complete Biogas Conversion Projects and exposure to liabilities as a result of unforeseen environmental, construction, technological or other complications; • failures or delays in obtaining desired or necessary land rights, including ownership, leases, easements, zoning rights and building permits; • a decrease in the availability, increased pricing on, and a delay in the timeliness of delivery of raw materials and components, necessary for the Biogas Conversion Projects to function or necessary for the conversion of a Biogas Conversion Projects from Renewable Power to RNG production; • obtaining and keeping in good standing permits, authorizations and consents from local city, county, state and US federal government agencies and organizations; • penalties, including potential termination, under short-term and long-term contracts for failing to produce or deliver a sufficient quantity and acceptable quality of RNG in accordance with our contractual obligations; • unknown regulatory changes related to the transportation of RNG, which may increase the transportation cost for delivering under our contracts then in effect; • the consent and authorization of local utilities or other energy development off-takers to ensure successful interconnection to energy grids to enable power and gas sales; and • difficulties in identifying, obtaining and permitting suitable sites for new Biogas Conversion Projects.
Additionally, even if preferred sites can be located, we may encounter land use or zoning difficulties, problems with utility services, challenges obtaining and retaining required permits and approvals or local resistance, including due to reduced operations of permitting agencies because of the COVID-19 pandemic, any of which could prevent us or our counterparties from building new stations on such sites or limit or restrict the use of new or existing stations.
Additionally, even if preferred sites can be located, we may encounter land use or zoning difficulties, problems with utility services, challenges obtaining and retaining required permits and approvals or local resistance, including due to 40 reduced operations of permitting agencies because of the COVID-19 pandemic, any of which could prevent us or our counterparties from building new stations on such sites or limit or restrict the use of new or existing stations.
The declaration, amount and payment of any future 51 dividends on shares of common stock will be at the sole discretion of our board, who may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax, and regulatory restrictions, implications on the payment of dividends by us to our its stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us and such other factors our board may deem relevant.
The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of common stock will be at the sole discretion of our board, who may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax, and regulatory restrictions, implications on the payment of dividends by us to our its stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us and such other factors our board may deem relevant.
The calculation of the hypothetical future payments would be made using certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including (i) the sufficiency of taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits, (ii) any OPAL Fuels Common Units (other than those held by us) outstanding on the termination date are exchanged on the 52 termination date and (iii) the utilization of certain loss carryovers over a certain time period.
The calculation of the hypothetical future payments would be made using certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including (i) the sufficiency of taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits, (ii) any OPAL Fuels Common Units (other than those held by us) outstanding on the termination date are exchanged on the termination date and (iii) the utilization of certain loss carryovers over a certain time period.
If the agencies that administer and enforce these programs disagree with our judgments, otherwise determine that we are not in compliance, conduct reviews of our activities or make changes to the programs, then our ability to generate or sell these credits could be temporarily restricted pending completion of reviews or as a penalty, permanently limited or lost entirely, and we could also be subject to fines or other sanctions.
If the agencies that administer and enforce these programs disagree with our judgments, otherwise determine that we are not in compliance, 23 conduct reviews of our activities or make changes to the programs, then our ability to generate or sell these credits could be temporarily restricted pending completion of reviews or as a penalty, permanently limited or lost entirely, and we could also be subject to fines or other sanctions.
Many complex laws, 24 rules, orders and interpretations govern environmental protection, health, safety, land use, zoning, transportation and related matters. At times, such governmental regulations and policies may require biogas conversion project site owners and operators to curtail their operations or close sites temporarily or permanently, which may adversely impact our business, investments and results of operations.
Many complex laws, rules, orders and interpretations govern environmental protection, health, safety, land use, zoning, transportation and related matters. At times, such governmental regulations and policies may require biogas conversion project site owners and operators to curtail their operations or close sites temporarily or permanently, which may adversely impact our business, investments and results of operations.
These pricing pressures could also impact the profitability of prospective Biogas Conversion Projects, and, accordingly, negatively impact our overall financial condition, results of operations and prospects. We currently face declining market prices for LCFS credits specifically within California as well as significant upward pressure on the costs associated with dispensing RNG specifically within California to generate the LCFS credits.
These pricing pressures could also impact the profitability of prospective Biogas Conversion Projects, and, accordingly, negatively impact our overall financial condition, results of operations and prospects. 29 We currently face declining market prices for LCFS credits specifically within California as well as significant upward pressure on the costs associated with dispensing RNG specifically within California to generate the LCFS credits.
If such projects that had MBR Authority were later to lose their MBR Authority, they would be required to obtain FERC’s acceptance of a cost-of-service rate schedule and could become subject to the significant accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements that are typically imposed on vertically-integrated utilities with cost-based rate schedules.
If such projects that had MBR 24 Authority were later to lose their MBR Authority, they would be required to obtain FERC’s acceptance of a cost-of-service rate schedule and could become subject to the significant accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements that are typically imposed on vertically-integrated utilities with cost-based rate schedules.
The invalidity of, or any default or termination under, any of our gas rights agreements, leases, easements, licenses and rights-of-way may interfere with our rights to the underlying biogas and our ability to use and operate all or a portion of certain of our Biogas Conversion Projects facilities, which may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The invalidity of, or any default or termination under, any of our gas rights agreements, leases, easements, licenses and rights-of-way may interfere with our rights to the underlying biogas and our ability to use and operate all or a portion of our Biogas Conversion Projects facilities, which may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A failure by biogas conversion project site owners and operators to comply with extensive federal, state and local regulations and policies, including permitting requirements, may result in the suspension or cessation of waste site operations, which would reduce or halt Renewable Power or RNG production and generation of the associated Environmental Attributes.
A failure by biogas conversion project site owners and operators to comply with extensive federal, state and local regulations and policies, including permitting requirements, may result in the suspension or cessation of site operations, which would reduce or halt Renewable Power or RNG production and generation of the associated Environmental Attributes.
In addition, there are other factors currently 36 unknown to us that may affect the commercial viability of other types of feedstock. Moreover, fluctuations in manure supply, the end use markets and the spread of diseases among herds could have a material impact on the success and completion of our Biogas Conversion Projects.
In addition, there are other factors currently unknown to us that may affect the commercial viability of other types of feedstock. Moreover, fluctuations in manure supply, the end use markets and the spread of diseases among herds could have a material impact on the success and completion of our Biogas Conversion Projects.
Despite our ongoing and anticipated cybersecurity efforts, a successful cybersecurity incident could lead to additional material costs, including those related to the loss of sensitive information, repairs to infrastructure or capabilities essential to our operations, responding to litigation or regulatory investigations, and those related to a material and adverse impact on our reputation, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Despite our ongoing and anticipated cybersecurity efforts, a successful cybersecurity incident could lead to additional material costs, including those related to the loss of sensitive information, 51 repairs to infrastructure or capabilities essential to our operations, responding to litigation or regulatory investigations, and those related to a material and adverse impact on our reputation, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Our insurance may not cover all environmental risks and costs or may not provide sufficient coverage if an environmental claim is made against us. 21 Environmental laws, rules and regulations have changed rapidly in recent years and generally have become more stringent over time, and we expect this trend to continue.
Our insurance may not cover all environmental risks and costs or may not provide sufficient coverage if an environmental claim is made against us. Environmental laws, rules and regulations have changed rapidly in recent years and generally have become more stringent over time, and we expect this trend to continue.
In addition, if we are unable to avail ourselves of warranties and other contractual protections with our suppliers and service providers, we may incur liability to our counterparties or additional costs related to the affected products and services, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, if we are unable to avail ourselves of warranties and other contractual protections with our suppliers and service providers, we may incur liability to our counterparties or additional costs related to the affected products and services, which could adversely affect 21 our business, financial condition and results of operations.
FERC regulations limit using a transmission project for proprietary purposes, and we may be required to offer others (including competitors) open-access to our transmission asset, should we acquire one. Such acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
FERC regulations limit using a transmission project for proprietary purposes, and we may be required to offer others (including competitors) 37 open-access to our transmission asset, should we acquire one. Such acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the market for natural gas vehicle fuels does not develop at improved rates or levels, or if a market develops but we are not able to capture a significant share of the market or the market subsequently declines, our business, growth potential, financial condition, and operating results would be harmed.
If the market for natural gas vehicle fuels does not develop at improved rates or levels, or if a market develops but we are not able to capture a 38 significant share of the market or the market subsequently declines, our business, growth potential, financial condition, and operating results would be harmed.
Any compromise of our security could result in a violation of applicable domestic and foreign security, privacy or data protection, consumer and other laws, regulatory or other 53 governmental investigations, enforcement actions, and legal and financial exposure, including potential contractual liability that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Any compromise of our security could result in a violation of applicable domestic and foreign security, privacy or data protection, consumer and other laws, regulatory or other governmental investigations, enforcement actions, and legal and financial exposure, including potential contractual liability that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources are not available, the valuation of such contracts would involve judgment or the use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of such contracts.
If actively quoted market 30 prices and pricing information from external sources are not available, the valuation of such contracts would involve judgment or the use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of such contracts.
Any unexpected operational or mechanical failure, including failure associated with breakdowns and forced outages, could reduce our 35 facilities’ generating capacity below expected levels, reducing our revenues and jeopardizing our ability to earn profits and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any unexpected operational or mechanical failure, including failure associated with breakdowns and forced outages, could reduce our facilities’ generating capacity below expected levels, reducing our revenues and jeopardizing our ability to earn profits and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have a number of Biogas Conversion Projects under construction that will begin production over the next 18-24 months. Therefore, our expectations of the operating performance of these facilities are based on assumptions 40 and estimates made without the benefit of operating history.
We have a number of Biogas Conversion Projects under construction that will begin production over the next 18-24 months. Therefore, our expectations of the operating performance of these facilities are based on assumptions and estimates made without the benefit of operating history.
The personal and financial interests of such persons described above may be in conflict with the interests of ours and 49 influence their motivation in identifying and selecting our business opportunities, their support or lack thereof for pursuing such business opportunities and our operations. The existence of a family relationship between Mr.
The personal and financial interests of such persons described above may be in conflict with the interests of ours and influence their motivation in identifying and selecting our business opportunities, their support or lack thereof for pursuing such business opportunities and our operations. The existence of a family relationship between Mr.
However, the regulations that govern the RPS programs, including pricing incentives for renewable energy, or reasonableness guidelines for pricing that increase valuation compared to conventional power (such as a projected value for carbon reduction or consideration of avoided integration costs), may change.
However, the regulations that govern the RPS programs, including pricing incentives for renewable energy and reasonableness guidelines for pricing that increase valuation compared to conventional power (such as a projected value for carbon reduction or consideration of avoided integration costs), may change.
Operation of our 32 Biogas Conversion Projects also involves risks that we will be unable to transport our product to our counterparties in an efficient manner due to a lack of capacity or other problems with third party interconnection and transmission facilities.
Operation of our Biogas Conversion Projects also involves risks that we will be unable to transport our product to our counterparties in an efficient manner due to a lack of capacity or other problems with third party interconnection and transmission facilities.
The Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder contain detailed parameters for the organization and operations of investment companies. Among other things, the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder limit or prohibit transactions with affiliates, impose limitations on the issuance of debt and equity securities, prohibit the 50 issuance of stock options and impose certain governance requirements.
The Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder contain detailed parameters for the organization and operations of investment companies. Among other things, the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder limit or prohibit transactions with affiliates, impose limitations on the issuance of debt and equity securities, prohibit the issuance of stock options and impose certain governance requirements.
Nevertheless, were we to do so, eligibility for MBR Authority is predicated on a variety of factors, primarily including the overall market power that the power seller — together with all of its FERC-defined “affiliates” — has in the relevant market.
Nevertheless, if we were to do so, eligibility for MBR Authority is predicated on a variety of factors, primarily including the overall market power that the power seller — together with all of its FERC-defined “affiliates” — has in the relevant market.
We are subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the SEC, which are charged with the protection of investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and to new and evolving regulatory measures under applicable law.
We are subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the SEC, which are charged with the protection of investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and to new 45 and evolving regulatory measures under applicable law.
The actual amount of deferred tax assets and related liabilities that we will recognize will differ based on, among other things, the timing of the exchanges, the price of the shares of Class A common stock at the time of the exchange, and the tax rates then in effect.
The actual amount of deferred tax assets and related liabilities that we will recognize will differ based on, among other things, the timing of the exchanges, the price of the shares of Class A common 50 stock at the time of the exchange, and the tax rates then in effect.
The agreements governing such financings typically contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit a project subsidiary’s ability to make distributions to its parent or otherwise engage in activities that may be in its long-term best interests.
The agreements governing such financings typically contain financial and other restrictive covenants that 42 limit a project subsidiary’s ability to make distributions to its parent or otherwise engage in activities that may be in its long-term best interests.
If these facilities fail to provide us with adequate capacity or have 25 unplanned disruptions, we may be restricted in our ability to deliver Renewable Power and RNG to our counterparties and we may either incur additional costs or forego revenues.
If these facilities fail to provide us with adequate capacity or have unplanned disruptions, we may be restricted in our ability to deliver Renewable Power and RNG to our counterparties and we may either incur additional costs or forego revenues.
During the conversion of existing projects, there may be a gap in revenue while the electricity project is offline until 30 the conversion is completed and the new RNG facility commences operations, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
During the conversion of existing projects, there may be a gap in revenue while the electricity project is offline until the conversion is completed and the new RNG facility commences operations, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
These vehicle and engine manufacturers may decide not to expand or maintain, or may decide to discontinue or curtail, their product lines for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, as a result of the adoption of governmental policies or programs such as the rules adopted by the California Air Resources Board on June 25, 2020 requiring the sale of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks (the “Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation”) and Executive Order N-79-20 issued by the Governor of the State of California in September 2020 (the “September 2020 Executive Order”).
These manufacturers may decide not to expand or maintain, or may decide to discontinue or curtail, their product lines for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, as a result of the adoption of governmental policies or programs such as the rules adopted by the California Air Resources Board on June 25, 2020 requiring the sale of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks (the “Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation”) and Executive Order N-79-20 issued by the Governor of the State of California in September 2020 (the “September 2020 Executive Order”).
Because of rising insurance costs and changes in the insurance markets, we cannot provide any assurance that our insurance coverage will continue to be available at all or at rates or on terms similar to those presently available.
Because of rising insurance costs and changes in the 34 insurance markets, we cannot provide any assurance that our insurance coverage will continue to be available at all or at rates or on terms similar to those presently available.
If we and our third party suppliers are unable to meet applicable quality standards, 34 through one or more of the factors discussed above or otherwise, we could be subject to financial penalties under such contracts.
If we and our third party suppliers are unable to meet applicable quality standards, through one or more of the factors discussed above or otherwise, we could be subject to financial penalties under such contracts.
In addition, we typically need approval from landfill owners in order to implement Renewable Power-to-RNG conversion projects, 37 and we are also dependent on landfill owners for additional gas rights as well as land leases and easements for these conversion projects.
In addition, we typically need approval from landfill owners in order to implement Renewable Power-to-RNG conversion projects, and we are also dependent on landfill owners for additional gas rights as well as land leases and easements for these conversion projects.
For example, increased rates of recycling or increased use of waste incineration could decrease the volume of waste sent to 29 landfills, while organics diversion strategies such as composting can reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.
For example, increased rates of recycling or increased use of waste incineration could decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills, while organics diversion strategies such as composting can reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.
It is possible that some 48 investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result, which may result in a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and higher volatility in our stock price.
It is possible that some investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result, which may result in a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and higher volatility in our stock price.
Adam Comora, as our Co-Chief Executive Officer, may result in a conflict of interest on the part of such persons between what he, in his capacity as Chairman or Co-Chief Executive Officer, respectively, may believe is in our best interests and the interests of our stockholders in connection with a decision to be made by us through our board, standing committees thereof, and management and what he may believe is best for himself or his family members in connection with the same decision.
Adam Comora, as our Co-Chief Executive Officer, may result in a conflict of interest on the part of such persons between what they, in their capacity as Chairman or Co-Chief Executive Officer, respectively, may believe is in our best interests and the interests of our stockholders in connection with a decision to be made by us through our board, standing committees thereof, and management and what he may believe is best for himself or his family members in connection with the same decision.
The estimation of biogas production volume is an inexact process and dependent on many site-specific conditions, including the estimated annual waste volume, composition of waste, regional climate and the capacity and construction of the site.
The estimation of biogas production volume is an inexact process and dependent on many site-specific conditions, including the estimated annual waste volume, composition of waste, regional climate and the capacity and construction of 36 the site.
The acquisition of existing Biogas Conversion Projects involves numerous risks, many of which may be indiscoverable through the due diligence process, including exposure to previously existing liabilities and unanticipated costs associated with the pre-acquisition period; difficulty in integrating the acquired projects into our existing business; and, if the projects are in new markets, the risks of entering markets where we have limited experience, less knowledge of differences in market terms for gas rights agreements and dispensing agreements, and, for international projects, possible exposure to exchange-rate risk to the extent we need to finance development and operations of foreign projects to repatriate earnings generated by such projects.
The acquisition of existing Biogas Conversion Projects involves numerous risks, many of which may not be discoverable through the due diligence process, including exposure to previously existing liabilities and unanticipated costs associated with the pre-acquisition period; difficulty in integrating the acquired projects into our existing business; and, if the projects are in new markets, the risks of entering markets where we have limited experience, less knowledge of differences in market terms for gas rights agreements and dispensing agreements, and, for international projects, possible exposure to exchange-rate risk to the extent we need to finance development and operations of foreign projects to repatriate earnings generated by such projects.
We from time to time face disputes or disagreements with owners and operators of biogas project sites which could materially impact our ability to continue to develop and/or operate an existing Biogas Conversion Project on its 19 current basis, or at all, and could materially delay or eliminate our ability to identify and successfully secure the rights to construct and operate other future Biogas Conversion Projects.
From time to time, we face disputes or disagreements with owners and operators of biogas project sites which could materially impact our ability to continue to develop and/or operate an existing Biogas Conversion Project on its current 20 basis, or at all, and could materially delay or eliminate our ability to identify and successfully secure the rights to construct and operate other future Biogas Conversion Projects.
Claims can be asserted by such persons relating to personal injury or property damage, and resolving such claims can be expensive and time consuming, even if there is little or no basis for the claim. We have a history of accounting losses and may incur additional losses in the future. The Company has incurred net losses historically.
Claims can be asserted by such persons relating to personal injury or property damage, and resolving such claims can be expensive and time consuming, even if there is little or no basis for the claim. We have a history of accounting losses and may incur additional losses in the future. We have incurred net losses historically.
Market Risks Related to Our Business A reduction in the prices we can obtain for the Environmental Attributes generated from RNG, which include RINs, LCFS credits, and other incentives, could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations .
Market Risks Related to Our Business A reduction in the prices we can obtain for the Environmental Attributes generated from RNG, which include RINs, ISCC Carbon Credits, LCFS credits, and other incentives, could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations .
If we are unable to maintain good relationships with these site owners and operators, or if they take any actions that disrupt or halt production of RNG or Renewable Power, our business, growth strategy, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to maintain good relationships with these site owners and operators, or if they take any actions that disrupt or halt production of RNG or Renewable Power, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
To the extent that we needs funds, and any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries is restricted from making such distributions under these debt agreements or applicable law or regulation, or is otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.
To the extent that we need funds, and any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries is restricted from making such distributions under these debt agreements or applicable law or regulation, or is otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.
Nevertheless, if the prices of crude oil, gasoline and diesel decline again, or if the price of RNG or natural gas increases without corresponding increases in the prices of crude oil, gasoline and diesel or Environmental Attributes, we may not be able to offer our counterparties an attractive price advantage for our vehicle fuels.
If the prices of crude oil, gasoline and diesel decline, or if the price of RNG or natural gas increases without corresponding increases in the prices of crude oil, gasoline and diesel or Environmental Attributes, we may not be able to offer our counterparties an attractive price advantage for our vehicle fuels.
Currently, we do not have a business relationship with any of the banking institutions mentioned above, and our cash, cash equivalents and short term investments have been unaffected by the turmoil in the financial industry; however, we cannot guaranty that the banking institution with which we do business will not face similar circumstances in the future, or that the third parties with whom we do business will not be negatively affected by such circumstances. 54 ITEM 1B.
Currently, we do not have a business relationship with any of the banking institutions mentioned above, and our cash, cash equivalents and short term investments have been unaffected by the turmoil in the financial industry; however, we cannot guaranty that the banking institution with which we do business will not face similar circumstances in the future, or that the third parties with whom we do business will not be negatively affected by such circumstances.
Sequestering CO 2 is subject to numerous laws and regulations with uncertain permitting timelines and costs. We also intend to explore the production of renewable hydrogen sourced from a number of our projects’ RNG, and we may enter into long-term fixed price off-take contracts for green hydrogen that we may produce at our projects.
Sequestering CO2 is subject to numerous laws and regulations with uncertain permitting timelines and costs. We also intend to explore the production of renewable hydrogen sourced from a number of our projects’ RNG, and we may enter into long-term fixed price off-take contracts for green hydrogen that we may produce at our projects.
Our ability to generate revenue from sales of RINs and LCFS credits depends on our strict compliance with such federal and state programs, which are complex and can involve a significant degree of judgment.
Our ability to generate revenue from sales of RINs and LCFS credits depends on our strict compliance with these federal and state programs, which are complex and can involve a significant degree of judgment.
Our operations are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local EHS laws and regulations, including those relating to (i) the release, emission or discharge of materials into the air, water and ground, (ii) the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes, and (iii) the health and safety of our employees and other persons.
Our operations are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local EHS laws and regulations, including those relating to the release, emission or discharge of materials into the air, water and ground, the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes, and the health and safety of our employees and other persons.
Significant deterioration in the financial condition of any biogas conversion project waste site could cause the biogas conversion project site owners and operators to unilaterally decide to shut down or reduce their landfill or livestock waste operations.
Significant deterioration in the financial condition of any biogas conversion project waste site could cause the biogas conversion project site owners and operators to shut down or reduce their landfill or livestock waste operations.
To the extent that OPAL is unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid, which could negatively impact OPAL’s results of operations and could also affect its liquidity in periods in which such payments are made.
To the extent that OPAL is unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid, which could negatively impact our results of operations and could also affect our liquidity in periods in which such payments are made.
These laws and regulations impose numerous obligations applicable to our operations, including (i) the acquisition of permits before construction and operation of our Biogas Conversion Projects and Fueling Stations; (ii) the restriction of types, quantities and concentration of materials that can be released into the environment; (iii) the limitation or prohibition of our activities on certain lands lying within wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas; (iv) the application of specific health and safety criteria addressing worker protection; and (v) the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from the operation of our Biogas Conversion Projects and Fueling Stations.
These laws and regulations impose numerous obligations applicable to our operations, including the acquisition of permits before construction and operation of our Biogas Conversion Projects and Fueling Stations; the restriction of types, quantities and concentration of materials that can be released into the environment; the limitation or prohibition of our activities on certain lands lying within wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas; the application of specific health and safety criteria addressing worker protection; and the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from the operation of our Biogas Conversion Projects and Fueling Stations.
Biogas Conversion Projects that produce RNG often experience unpredictable production levels or other difficulties due to a variety of factors, including, among others, (i) problems with equipment, (ii) severe weather, pandemics, or other health crises, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, (iii) construction delays, (iv) technical difficulties, (v) high operating costs, (vi) limited availability, or unfavorable composition of collected feedstock gas, and (vii) plant shutdowns caused by upgrades, expansion or required maintenance.
Biogas Conversion Projects that produce RNG often experience unpredictable production levels or other difficulties due to a variety of factors, including, among others, (i) problems with equipment, (ii) severe weather, pandemics, or other health crises, (iii) construction delays, (iv) technical difficulties, (v) high operating costs, (vi) limited availability, or unfavorable composition of collected feedstock gas, and (vii) plant shutdowns caused by upgrades, expansion or required maintenance.
These changes are ongoing, and we cannot predict the future design of the wholesale power markets or the ultimate effect that the changing regulatory environment will have on our business. Our biogas conversion project site owners and operators are also subject to extensive federal, state and local regulations and policies, including permitting requirements, on account of their separate operations.
These changes are ongoing, and we cannot predict the future design of the wholesale power markets or the ultimate effect that the changing regulatory environment will have on our business. Our biogas conversion project site owners and operators are also subject to extensive federal, state and local regulations and policies, including permitting requirements.
Failure to comply with such laws and regulations may result in the assessment of sanctions, including administrative, civil or criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory or remedial obligations, and the issuance of orders limiting or prohibiting some or all of our operations.
F ailure to comply with such laws and regulations may result in the assessment of sanctions, including administrative, civil or criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory or remedial obligations, and the issuance of orders limiting or prohibiting some or all of our operations.
In addition, any such failures could result in litigation or regulatory actions by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, loss of investor confidence, delisting of our securities and harm to our reputation and financial condition, or diversion of financial and management resources from the operation of our business.
In addition, any such failures could result in litigation or regulatory actions by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, delisting of our securities and harm to our reputation and financial condition, or diversion of financial and management resources from the operation of our business.
For example, assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, we expect that if we experienced a change of control the estimated Tax Receivable Agreement lump-sum payment would range from approximately $192.0 million depending on OPAL Fuels’s rate of recovery of the tax basis increases associated with the deemed exchange of the OPAL Fuels Common Units (other than those held by us).
For example, assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, we expect that if we experienced a change of control the estimated Tax Receivable Agreement lump-sum payment would be approximately $133.0 million depending on OPAL Fuels’s rate of recovery of the tax basis increases associated with the deemed exchange of the OPAL Fuels Common Units (other than those held by us).
Accordingly, we may be affected by operational issues encountered by biogas conversion project site owners and operators in operating their facilities, such as, among other things: (i) their ability to perform in accordance with their commitments to third parties (other than us) under agreements and permits; (ii) transportation of source materials, (iii) herd health and labor issues at the dairy farms generating the manure to be processed at our digester facilities; (iv) gas collection issues at landfill projects such as broken pipes, ground water accumulation, inadequate land cover and labor issues, and (v) the particular character and mix of trash received, at the biogas conversion project site facilities.
Accordingly, we may be affected by operational issues encountered by biogas conversion project site owners and operators in operating their facilities that may affect the quantity and quality of biogas, including, among other things: (i) their ability to perform in accordance with their commitments to third parties (other than us) under agreements and permits; (ii) transportation of source materials, (iii) herd health and labor issues at the dairy farms generating the manure to be processed at our digester facilities; (iv) gas collection issues at landfill projects such as broken pipes, ground water accumulation, inadequate landcover and labor issues, and (v) the particular character and mix of trash received.
We cannot predict whether our dual class structure, which affords the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock one vote per share while affording the shares of Class C common stock and Class D common stock with five votes per share, combined with our concentrated voting control by OPAL Holdco due to its ownership of shares of Class D common stock, will result in a lower or more volatile market price of the shares of Class A common stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences.
The dual-class structure of our common stock may adversely affect the trading market for the shares of Class A common stock. 48 We cannot predict whether our dual class structure, which affords the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock one vote per share while affording the shares of Class C common stock and Class D common stock with five votes per share, combined with our concentrated voting control by OPAL Holdco due to its ownership of shares of Class D common stock, will result in a lower or more volatile market price of the shares of Class A common stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences.
As a result, certain of our Biogas Conversion Projects’ rights under these licenses, easements, leases or rights-of-way may be subject, and subordinate, to the rights of those third parties in certain instances.
As a result, certain of our rights under these licenses, easements, leases or rights-of-way may be subject, and subordinate, to the rights of those third parties in certain instances.
Our Fueling Station construction activities for commercial fleets and other counterparties are subject to business and operational risks, including predicting demand in a particular market or markets, land use, permitting or zoning difficulties, responsibility for actions of sub-contractors on jobs in which we serve as general contractor, potential labor shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, and cost overruns.
Our Fueling Station construction activities for commercial fleets and other counterparties are subject to business and operational risks, including predicting demand in a particular market or markets, land use, permitting or zoning difficulties, responsibility for actions of sub-contractors on jobs in which we serve as general contractor, potential labor shortages and cost overruns.
Changes to the use of our assets, divestitures, changes to the structure of our business, significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our operations, inability to effectively integrate any acquired businesses, further market capitalization declines, or other similar actions or conditions could result in additional asset impairment or goodwill impairment charges or other adverse consequences, any of which could have material adverse effects on our financial condition, our results of operations and the trading price of common stock.
Changes to the use of our assets, divestitures, changes to the structure of our business, significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our operations, inability to effectively integrate any acquired businesses, further market capitalization declines, or other similar actions or conditions could result in additional asset impairment or goodwill impairment charges or other adverse consequences, any of which could have material adverse effects on our financial condition, our results of operations and the trading price of common stock. 43 Loss of our key management could adversely affect our business performance.
A change in law or in governmental policies concerning renewable fuels, landfill or animal waste site biogas or the sale of RINs and LCFS could be expected to affect the market for, and the pricing of, the RINs and LCFS credits that we can generate through production at our Biogas Conversion Projects.
A change in law or in governmental policies concerning renewable fuels, landfill or animal waste site biogas or the sale of Environmental Attributes could be expected to affect the market for, and the pricing of, the Environmental Attributes that we can generate through production at our Biogas Conversion Projects.
The supply of engines or vehicle product lines by these vehicle and engine manufacturers may also be disrupted due to delays, restrictions or other business impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions or crises.
The supply of engines or vehicle product lines by these vehicle and engine manufacturers may also be disrupted due to delays, restrictions or other business impacts related to supply chain disruptions, crises or other developments.
It could also expose us to the risk of increased interest rates and limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry. We may be unable to obtain additional financing to fund our operations or growth. As of December 31, 2022, our total indebtedness was $170 million, excluding deferred financing costs.
It could also expose us to the risk of increased interest rates 41 and limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry. We may be unable to obtain additional financing to fund our operations or growth. As of December 31, 2023, our total indebtedness was $209.1 million, excluding deferred financing costs.
The occurrence of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our level of indebtedness and our redeemable preferred non-controlling interests' redemption obligations could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and acquisitions.
The occurrence of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our level of indebtedness and preferred stock redemption obligations could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and acquisitions.
Finally, because we are a holding company with no operations of its own, its ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement depends on the ability of OPAL Fuels to make distributions to it.
Finally, because we are a holding company with no operations of our own, our ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement depends on the ability of OPAL Fuels to make distributions to us.
There can be no assurance that the EPA will timely set annual RVOs or that the RVOs will continue to increase or be sufficient to satisfy the growing supply of RNG which may be targeted for the US transportation fuel market.
There can be no assurance that the EPA will timely set annual RVOs in the future or that the RVOs will continue to increase or be sufficient to satisfy the growing supply of RNG which may be targeted for the U.S. transportation fuel market.