New Frontiers: Expanding Markets for Low Carbon Liquid Fuels

Jan 22, 10:45 AM — 12:00 PM PST

As the world accelerates its transition to a low-carbon future, this session will delve into promising opportunities for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel in mission-critical sectors: marine, aviation and heating. Industry leaders will share insights on effective market entry strategies, navigating complex regulatory environments, and the latest technological breakthroughs that are reshaping these industries. Designed for professionals across the liquid fuels value chain, this session offers practical knowledge on how to capitalize on emerging markets, stay competitive, and contribute to a sustainable future.

Speakers:

Anthony Silecchia

VP Acquisitions & Industry Affairs
Star Group

Anthony Silecchia is Vice President of Acquisitions & Industry Affairs of Star Group, L.P., the largest retail distributor of home heating oil in the country, which provides energy services that deliver outstanding quality, value and service to its customers.

Silecchia guides Star Group on its road map to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, helping navigate through the ever-changing landscape of legislation, while supporting efforts on the ground. With a dedicated focus on research, education and sharing the latest insights, he keeps Star Group on track to deliver Bioheat® fuel throughout the company, and meet its goal of honoring a pledge to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.

Silecchia graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

Michael AuBuchon

Managing Director, Fuel Strategy & Management
Southwest Airlines Co.

Michael AuBuchon joined Southwest in 2000, serving in various facilities and legal affairs positions. In 2015, Michael accepted a new role as Director of Fuel Supply Chain Management. After being promoted to Senior Director in 2018, he now serves as Managing Director – Fuel Strategy & Management.

Michael’s Team manages billions of dollars and billions of gallons of jet fuel, including planning, scheduling, logistics, on- and off-airport storage/fuel consortia management, into-plane management, fuel quality and compliance, and fuel automation support/fuel accounting. Michael’s Team is also responsible for Southwest’s exploration, planning, and ultimate deployment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – helping further Southwest’s goal to replace 10% of total jet fuel consumption with SAF by 2030 and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Michael is a 1995 graduate of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma (Bachelor of Science, Aviation Sciences, with honors) and a 1999 graduate of Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa (Juris Doctorate). He has been a Texas-licensed attorney since 1999.

Jason Smith

Warner Petroleum Company

18 years w/ Warner Petroleum Corporation. Initial focus primarily on logistics and operations land and sea. Which later lead to handling the purchasing and marketing of commodities, services, Terminaling, and transportation. Self-proclaimed “tree hugging oil salesman” who enjoys all things nature, and thus I’m very excited to participate in this panel.

Brandon Rick

ADM Transportation

Moderator:

Paul Nazzaro

President
The Nazzaro Group

Paul Nazzaro is President of The Nazzaro Group and has represented Clean Fuels since 1996 in the capacity of Supply Chain Liaison. He focuses on ensuring the successful commercialization of low carbon liquid fuels nationally. He has developed and implemented countless training and communication programs to advance the growth of these fuels.  He also presides over Advanced Fuel Solutions, a performance additive organization serving terminals, wholesalers and fuel distributors throughout the nation. Nazzaro serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association and countless other state Bioheat® fuel industry groups.