Program news Archives - Clean Fuels Alliance America https://cleanfuels.org/category/program-news/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:58:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Trinity Report: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel Fuel for On-Road Transportation Sources in the Bronx https://cleanfuels.org/resource/trinity-report-assessment-of-health-benefits-from-using-biodiesel-fuel-for-on-road-transportation-sources-in-the-bronx/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:52:19 +0000 https://cleanfuels.org/resource/trinity-report-2-0-assessment-of-health-benefits-from-using-biodiesel-as-a-transportation-fuel-and-residential-heating-oil-copy/ This report assesses the health benefits of replacing ultra-low sulfur diesel with 100% biomass-based diesel in transportation at fourteen locations and home heating oil in one location across the United States.

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This report assesses the health benefits of replacing ultra-low sulfur diesel with 100% biomass-based diesel in transportation at fourteen locations and home heating oil in one location across the United States.

The post Trinity Report: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel Fuel for On-Road Transportation Sources in the Bronx appeared first on Clean Fuels Alliance America.

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Inspired Action: PepsiCo’s Efforts to Decarbonize North America’s Largest Private Fleet https://cleanfuels.org/pepsicos-efforts-to-decarbonize-north-americas-largest-private-fleet/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:43:07 +0000 https://cleanfuels.org/biodiesel-high-standards-for-a-premium-product-copy/ One of the largest fleets in North America is making big moves to meet its decarbonization goals by embracing clean fuels.

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By Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels Alliance America
Published in SIGMA IGM Magazine | March/April 2024 Issue

One of the largest fleets in North America is making big moves to meet its decarbonization goals. In 2021, multinational food and beverage company PepsiCo announced its new sustainability initiative— PepsiCo Positive. I was able to discuss their plans and implemented practices with representatives from PepsiCo and Optimus Technologies at a main stage session at the recent Clean Fuels Conference.

“It’s really about our future, and this transformation is deliberate and strategic, and it puts sustainability right at the heart of how we do what we do,” David Allen, PepsiCo’s Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer said. “It’s how we’re going to grow, how we’re going to create value, and how we’re going to ensure long term success and bring positive environmental benefits for the planet and all of its people.”

The company has set a lofty target— net zero emission by 2040. To meet these climate goals and the needs of its complex fleet, PepsiCo has employed renewable sources like alternative fuels to decarbonize and improve operational efficiency. The shift to renewable energy within all facets of the company’s owned and regulated operations, franchise endeavors, and third-party involvements could lead to a decrease of around 2.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2040— equivalent to the reduction to removing over half a million cars from the roads for an entire year. 

Part of PepsiCo’s plan includes energy diversification across its 80,000-asset fleet, and the solution isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

“We have a very diverse fleet,” Adam Buttgenbach, Director of Fleet Engineering and Sustainability with PepsiCo said. “The way that we manage and move those through our supply chain consists of everything from Class 1 through Class 8 vehicles, on highway and off-highway, yard management, material handling equipment. With that very diverse operating cycle that we have, we try to find the best solution that fits the needs of the business as well as the low carbon energy for that. For the past two decades we’ve focused on improving the efficiency of our fleet with aerodynamics, low rolling resistance, and also incorporating a lot of alternative fuels.”

While natural gas and electric vehicles are part of the solution, so are low-carbon, clean renewable fuels. PepsiCo is using renewable diesel for some of its operations in California and biodiesel in other parts of the country. The company has also partnered with Optimus Technologies for a B100 pilot project.

This project started at PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay manufacturing plant in Topeka, Kansas with 10 vehicles. They wanted to test B100’s performance in over-the-road operations that traveled in rural parts of the United States, a sector that is traditionally very hard to decarbonize. The success of that pilot project gave PepsiCo the confidence to continue building out the program. There are now several dozen trucks operating on B100 year-round out of Topeka. They are expanding this program in February to include their Wisconsin plant, with plans to scale up throughout the year with a couple hundred more trucks operating on B100.

Because most engines are not immediately equipped to use B100, PepsiCo has utilized the Optimus Technologies Vector System to convert diesel engines to run on 100% biodiesel.

“The technology provides a low-cost pathway to decarbonization that allows fleets to maintain their business resiliency and operations, because we’re never inhibiting the engine from running traditional diesel or renewable diesel,” said Optimus Technologies CEO Colin Huwyler.

Many different fleets are utilizing this technology to quickly and cost-effectively lower their emissions. Municipalities and commercial groups like PepsiCo are catching on to the here-and-now benefits of upgrading their current fleets to run on B100. 

“We need progress not perfection,” said Allen. “We need action and progress now. If we wait for a perfect solution, we won’t go anywhere, whether we’re talking biofuels, whether we’re talking agriculture, whether we’re talking any of the elements of sustainability and improvement. It’s about incrementality, then where do we go from there.”

PepsiCo hopes to not just show off their methods for meeting sustainability goals—they want to encourage and empower others to do the same.

“As we look to be a leader in the space, it’s not just ‘how do we educate and try to advance and show fleets what we are doing,’ but how do we help enable them to follow similar goals for decarbonization,” Buttgenbach said.

PepsiCo has proven that biodiesel and B100 play important roles in achieving sustainability goals and was recognized with the Clean Fuels Alliance America Inspiration Award at the Clean Fuels Conference 2024. The company is tackling environmental challenges head-on and blazing a trail for fleets to lower carbon emissions now and in the future.

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Clean Fuels Welcomes New Mexico Clean Transportation Fuel Standard https://cleanfuels.org/clean-fuels-welcomes-new-mexico-clean-transportation-fuel-standard/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:26:12 +0000 https://cleanfuels.org/new-assessment-shows-value-of-soybean-oil-as-low-carbon-feedstock-for-clean-fuels-copy/ New Mexico becomes the fourth state to pass a clean fuel standard

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New Mexico becomes the fourth state to pass a clean fuel standard

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Clean Fuels Alliance America applauds New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing legislation to create a clean transportation fuel standard for the state of New Mexico. This new law will help drive demand and open a new market for biodiesel and renewable diesel while spurring economic opportunity and creating cleaner air for New Mexicans.

The Clean Transportation Fuel Standard, House Bill 41, tasks the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) to develop regulations to reduce transportation emissions by 20% from 2018 levels by 2030 and 30% by 2040. This technology and fuel-neutral program will generate new opportunities for the renewable fuel industry to help meet these carbon emissions reduction targets.

The achievement is the result of a multi-year effort spearheaded by Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-42) and Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-17). Clean Fuels Alliance America worked side-by-side with its member organizations and the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition to develop science and technical analysis to help educate lawmakers on the positive role renewable fuels provide in low carbon policies.

“New Mexico’s passage of the Clean Transportation Fuel Standard marks a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to a sustainable future,” said Cory-Ann Wind, Clean Fuels Director of State Regulatory Affairs. “Cleaner fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel will play a significant role in helping New Mexico reach its climate and air pollution goals.”

Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Director of State Governmental Affairs, highlights that endorsing clean fuels not only supports environmental goals but also contributes to reducing fuel costs.

“A study by the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services revealed that the availability of biodiesel increases the fuel supply, resulting in an average annual reduction of 4% in diesel prices at the pump,” Earl said. “We congratulate New Mexico on passing this landmark legislation and express gratitude to Gov. Lujan Grisham for championing its advancement.”

New Mexico becomes the fourth state to pass a clean fuel standard, alongside California, Oregon and Washington.

Contact: Heather Buechter, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org.

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New Assessment Shows Value of Soybean Oil as Low-Carbon Feedstock for Clean Fuels https://cleanfuels.org/new-assessment-shows-value-of-soybean-oil-as-low-carbon-feedstock-for-clean-fuels/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:16:43 +0000 https://cleanfuels.org/winner-announced-for-the-beth-calabotta-sustainable-education-grant-copy/ Study Documents Significant Decrease in Soy's Life Cycle Carbon Footprint from 2015-2021

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Study Documents Significant Decrease in Soy’s Life Cycle Carbon Footprint from 2015-2021

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – A recent Life Cycle Assessment conducted by Sustainable Solutions Corporation (SSC) for the United Soybean Board (USB) and the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) reveals a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of U.S. Soy throughout its cultivation, harvesting, transportation and processing stages. The assessment highlights a notable 22% decrease in the carbon footprint associated with U.S. production of crude soy oil, which is a key feedstock for U.S. biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF producers.

Soybean production and oil processing constitute more than 40% of the carbon intensity (CI) score for soy biodiesel. The improvements documented in this report are expected to translate into reductions in CI across the clean fuels industry.

Clean Fuels Alliance America assisted USB and NOPA in ensuring the data collected for processors in the report aligns with data specifications for GREET, so it could be easily integrated into GREET model updates.

“We look forward to working with Argonne National Laboratory through the data quality assessment process to update the GREET model to reflect the latest improvements in the industry,” said Veronica Bradley, Environmental Scientist at Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The Life Cycle Assessment of U.S. Soybeans, Soybean Meal, and Soy Oil report can be found here.

Materials supported by the United Soybean Board, soybean farmers and their checkoffs.

About United Soybean Board (USB): United Soybean Board’s 77 volunteer farmer-leaders work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers create value by investing in research, education and promotion with the vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day across the three priority areas of Infrastructure & Connectivity, Health & Nutrition, and Innovation & Technology. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on USB, visit unitedsoybean.org.

About National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA): Founded in 1930, NOPA is the national trade organization located in Washington, DC representing the U.S. soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed, and sunflower seed crushing industries. Our 15 members operate a total of 62 soybean & 5 softseed solvent extraction plants across 21 states. NOPA members produce meal and oil used in human food, animal feed, fuel and for industrial applications. Collectively, NOPA members process 95 percent of all soybeans in the U.S. which accounts to over 2 billion bushels annually. For more information on NOPA, visit nopa.org.  

Contact: Heather Buechter, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org.

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Used Cooking Oil Outlook 2023 https://cleanfuels.org/resource/used-cooking-oil-outlook-2023/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:28:25 +0000 https://cleanfuels.flywheelsites.com/resource/used-cooking-oil-outlook-2023/ In 2022, global trade of used cooking oil for clean fuels reached 3.7 billion gallons, with 850 million gallons available in the United States.

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In 2022, global trade of used cooking oil for clean fuels reached 3.7 billion gallons, with 850 million gallons available in the United States.

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Valuing Immediate Carbon Reductions https://cleanfuels.org/resource/valuing-immediate-carbon-reductions/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:28:17 +0000 https://cleanfuels.flywheelsites.com/resource/valuing-immediate-carbon-reductions/ Infograph: Because biodiesel and renewable diesel are drop-in alternatives, fleets can achieve valuable carbon reductions today at a relatively low cost.

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Infograph: Because biodiesel and renewable diesel are drop-in alternatives, fleets can achieve valuable carbon reductions today at a relatively low cost.

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Clean Fuels Industry Benefits https://cleanfuels.org/resource/clean-fuels-industry-benefits/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:28:17 +0000 https://cleanfuels.flywheelsites.com/resource/clean-fuels-industry-benefits/ Infograph: The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is essential, generating economic, environmental, and health benefits.

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Infograph: The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is essential, generating economic, environmental, and health benefits.

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Trinity Report 2.0: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel and Residential Heating Oil https://cleanfuels.org/resource/trinity-report-2-0-assessment-of-health-benefits-from-using-biodiesel-as-a-transportation-fuel-and-residential-heating-oil/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:28:13 +0000 https://cleanfuels.flywheelsites.com/resource/trinity-report-2-0-assessment-of-health-benefits-from-using-biodiesel-as-a-transportation-fuel-and-residential-heating-oil/ This report assesses the health benefits of replacing ultra-low sulfur diesel with 100% biomass-based diesel in transportation at fourteen locations and home heating oil in one location across the United States.

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This report assesses the health benefits of replacing ultra-low sulfur diesel with 100% biomass-based diesel in transportation at fourteen locations and home heating oil in one location across the United States.

The post Trinity Report 2.0: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel and Residential Heating Oil appeared first on Clean Fuels Alliance America.

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Trinity Study 1.06: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as Residential Heating Oil https://cleanfuels.org/resource/trinity-study-1-06-assessment-of-health-benefits-from-using-biodiesel-as-residential-heating-oil/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:28:13 +0000 https://cleanfuels.flywheelsites.com/resource/trinity-study-1-06-assessment-of-health-benefits-from-using-biodiesel-as-residential-heating-oil/ Report assesses the health benefits of using 100% biomass-based diesel in residential space heating sources currently fueled by heating oil in select northeastern states.

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Report assesses the health benefits of using 100% biomass-based diesel in residential space heating
sources currently fueled by heating oil in select northeastern states.

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Cold Flow https://cleanfuels.org/resource/cold-flow/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:28:13 +0000 https://cleanfuels.flywheelsites.com/resource/cold-flow/ Infograph: Biodiesel blends are being used successfully in challenging winter climates.

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Infograph: Biodiesel blends are being used successfully in challenging winter climates.

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