Biodiesel
- On the Road with Biodiesel
Biodiesel offers fleets affordable, low-carbon solutions to immediately improve the sustainability of their operations. This better, cleaner fuel is available now and provides immediate carbon reductions.
- Cold Flow
Infograph: Biodiesel blends are being used successfully in challenging winter climates.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer Fuel Compatibility
Infograph: Biodiesel must be produced to strict ASTM fuel specifications, ensuring proper performance in all engines
and equipment in the marketplace. - NREL Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (6th-Edition)
NREL guide provides basic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in engines to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors, and others understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer Positions on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
Infograph: Original Equipment Manufacturer Positions on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
- Sample Material Safety Data Sheet for Biodiesel
Sample Material Safety Data Sheet for Biodiesel
- Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel: Better Together (short)
Infograph: biodiesel and renewable diesel blends can fully replace petroleum diesel and reduce particulate matter, carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel: Better Together
Infograph: A combination of biodiesel and renewable diesel produces a cost-effective full replacement option for petroleum diesel.
Bioheat Fuel
- Bioheat®Fuel Trademark License Agreement
Licensing Agreement for use of the Bioheat Fuel logo
- Clean Fuels Comment on EPA Proposal to Sunset Energy Star Specifications for Oil Heat Equipment
Consumers want to decarbonize and are already doing so using Bioheat ® Fuel in existing home heating fuel systems. These systems merit Energy Star designation
- Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Study on Electric Heat Pumps
Infograph: according to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, using biodiesel as a heating fuel can be a cost-effective carbon reduction tool compared to electric heat pumps.
Economic Impact
- The Offsetting Impact of Expanded Biomass Based Diesel Production on Diesel Prices
The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry generates more than 3 billion gallons of better, cleaner fuels each year, driving down the price of traditional diesel by 4% in 2021 overall.
- 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.
- U.S. Economic Impact of the Clean Fuels Industry
Infograph: the U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports $23.2 billion in economic activity and 75,200 jobs.
- Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the US Economy 2022
- Clean Fuels Industry Benefits
Infograph: The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is essential, generating economic, environmental, and health benefits.
- Study: The Economic Benefits of the Biodiesel Blenders’ Credit
The biodiesel tax incentive supports thousands of rural jobs and environmental benefits worth $4 billion in 2020.
Health Benefits
- Trinity Report: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel Fuel for On-Road Transportation Sources in the Bronx
This report assesses the health benefits of substituting biodiesel in on-road transportation sources that are currently fueled by diesel in Bronx, New York.
- Trinity Study: Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel and Residential Heating Oil
Infograph: Biodiesel (B100) provides immediate community health improvements that can be measured in reduced medical costs and health care burdens as shown in a two-part study completed for Clean Fuels by Trinity Consultants.
- Trinity Study 1.03: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel
This report assesses the health benefits of replacing petroleum diesel with biodiesel in transportation in several Western States.
- Trinity Study: Executive Summary of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as Transportation Fuel or Residential Heating Oil
Researchers found that switching to 100% biodiesel in the home heating oil and transportation sectors would prevent 340 premature deaths annually; and result in 46,000 fewer sick days.
- 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.
- 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.
Industry Benefits
- Greenhouse Gas Benefits
Infograph: Biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% compared to petroleum diesel.
- 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.
- Clean Fuels Industry Benefits
Infograph: The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is essential, generating economic, environmental, and health benefits.
Infrastructure/Farm Bill
- Comments to USDA on a Rural Energy Pilot Program
USDA's Rural Energy Pilot Program should support biodiesel and renewable diesel projects, not just distributed renewable electricity.
- Comments on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
USDA can leverage existing programs to encourage voluntary adoption of agricultural practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure resilience to climate change.
- Comments on USDA Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Initiative
USDA should develop methods to assign changes in soil organic carbon to specific practices and crop rotations and then allow biofuel producers to incorporate these carbon reduction in lifecycle assessments.
- Comments to USDA Rural Development on Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program
Clean Fuels asks that USDA support Bioheat(R) fuel and SAF infrastructure and prioritize funding for existing and emerging markets.
- Letter to Congress Policy Priorities, 2021
The industry's federal policy priorities include stable tax incentives, funding for infrastructure, and optimizing the RFS to achieve carbon reductions.
- Comments on Innovative Technologies and Practices for the Agriculture Innovation Agenda
Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF are innovative technologies that can support USDA's goals for carbon reductions in the agriculture sector.
- Testimony of Donnell Rehagen, Nov 2021 House Ag Energy SubCmte. Bioeconomy Hearing
The clean fuels industry is a pivotal contributor to rural economies,
creating jobs and value-added markets. Biodiesel and renewable
diesel use can improve environmental health and reduce associated costs for both rural and urban communities. Cleaner, better fuels highlight the contribution that rural economies can make to the
nation’s overall climate and carbon reduction goals
Policy Priorities
- Group Letter Urging Treasury Action on 45Z Tax Credit
Twenty-five trade associations representing producers, feedstock providers, blenders, consumers, and retailers of low-carbon, renewable fuels sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury to finalize and publish guidance for the §45 Clean Fuels Production Credit as soon as possible.
- Co-Processing
Clean Fuels advocates policies to increase biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and the associated jobs, economic opportunities, agricultural markets, and environmental benefits. Co-processed fuel does not generate the same benefits and should not qualify for policy incentives.
- Letter to EPA on 2026 RFS Volumes from Nine Trade Associations
Each of our industries are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we recognize that sustainable biofuels offer some of the most substantial immediate benefits to deliver carbon reductions. The EPA should utilize the RFS to improve energy security, bolster domestic industry and manufacturing, and maintain America’s leadership in developing and using sustainable, clean transportation technologies. While our industries will continue to make investments in producing, distributing, and using low-carbon fuels, EPA can and should send a strong signal to the market through robust RVOs.
- Group Letter Urging Use of GREET Model for SAF Tax Incentive
Clean Fuels, ASA, NOPA and U.S. Canola urge using the most recent version of the GREET model as the “similar methodology” option for determining SAF tax credit eligibility.
- Letter from Reps. Hinson, Craig and 35 Representatives to EPA Administrator Regan Urging Higher RFS Volumes Particularly for Biomass-based diesel
EPA's 2023 RFS volumes for biodiesel and renewable diesel are a step in the wrong direction.
- Letter from 16 Senators to EPA Administrator Regan on the 2023 RFS Volumes for Biomass-based Diesel
The final RFS rule must increase the volumes for biomass-based diesel to reflect market conditions.
- Clean Fuels Comments on Treasury Guidance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit
SAF derived from co-processing is ineligible for the tax incentive. Treasury should adopt GREET as the similar methodology.
- Letter from Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska Governors to EPA Administrator Regan on RFS Biomass-based Diesel Volumes for 2023-2025
The Proposed Renewable Fuel Standard Rules for 2023, 2024 and 2025 did not provide the expected upward trajectory for the biomass-based diesel industry.
- Letter from 12 Senators to Treasury Secretary Yellen Urging Use of GREET in SAF Tax Incentives
Treasury should adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies
(GREET) model as the secondary methodology for calculating tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced - Letter to President Joe Biden from 75 Stakeholders on the RFS Biomass-based Diesel Volumes for 2023-2025
Increased production of biodiesel and renewable diesel in 2023 illustrates the need for EPA to raise RFS volumes substantially.
- Clean Fuels Comments on Treasury Notice for Clean Hydrogen and Clean Fuel Credits
Treasury should use GREET -- a U.S. lifecycle carbon emissions accounting model -- to determine tax credits for U.S. produced fuels.
- Clean Fuels Comments on EPA Proposed Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3
EPA cannot discount the immediate benefits biodiesel and renewable diesel have as we decarbonize the heavy-duty sector.
- Clean Fuels Comment on EPA Proposal to Sunset Energy Star Specifications for Oil Heat Equipment
Consumers want to decarbonize and are already doing so using Bioheat ® Fuel in existing home heating fuel systems. These systems merit Energy Star designation
- Clean Fuels Comments on EPA Proposed Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
Using biodiesel and renewable diesel today will lower health care impacts and costs for all populations living in and near these areas including minority, low-income, and indigenous populations.
- Letter from Clean Fuels, Transportation and Heating Oil Associations to EPA Administrator Regan on RFS Biomass-based Diesel Volumes for 2023-2025
The U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization notes that clean, sustainable fuels are needed right now to drive emissions reductions and set us on a road to a clean transportation future.
- Clean Fuels Written Testimony for Senate Environment and Public Works Hearing, “Cleaner Vehicles: Good for Consumers and Public Health”
Our industry’s growth is consistent with the goals to address environmental health and provide consumer benefits at the pump
- Clean Fuels Comment on Draft “Biofuels and the Environment: Third Triennial Report to Congress”
We urge EPA to re-examine its assessments of the biofuels and agricultural markets and the methodology it uses to assess land cover and land management change
- Clean Fuels Comments on Proposed RFS Volumes for 2023, 2024, and 2025
Increasing production of clean fuels through the RFS improves U.S. energy security, lowers diesel fuel prices, and generates carbon and emission reductions today that are necessary to meet future national environmental goals
- California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Infograph: Since 2011, California's biodiesel and renewable diesel use has reduced the state’s greenhouse gas
emissions by 105 billion pounds. - Clean Fuels Comments to U.S. Treasury on Clean Fuel Production Credit Guidance, 2022
It is critical that Treasury and IRS implement a verified, current, and science-based emissions rate methodology to set tax credit values.
- Letter to President Biden on Clean Fuels Jobs and Economic Impact, July 2022
In 2021, while petroleum production fell, the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry grew and added jobs. Stable tax incentives were a key reason.
- Study: The Economic Benefits of the Biodiesel Blenders’ Credit
The biodiesel tax incentive supports thousands of rural jobs and environmental benefits worth $4 billion in 2020.
- Letter to President Biden on Gas Prices, June 2022
The RFS increases the supply of distillate fuels used to transport consumer items. The added supply keeps prices at the pump lower.
- Comments to USDA on a Rural Energy Pilot Program
USDA's Rural Energy Pilot Program should support biodiesel and renewable diesel projects, not just distributed renewable electricity.
- Comments on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
USDA can leverage existing programs to encourage voluntary adoption of agricultural practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure resilience to climate change.
- Comments on USDA Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Initiative
USDA should develop methods to assign changes in soil organic carbon to specific practices and crop rotations and then allow biofuel producers to incorporate these carbon reduction in lifecycle assessments.
- Comments to USDA Rural Development on Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program
Clean Fuels asks that USDA support Bioheat(R) fuel and SAF infrastructure and prioritize funding for existing and emerging markets.
- Letter to Congress Policy Priorities, 2021
The industry's federal policy priorities include stable tax incentives, funding for infrastructure, and optimizing the RFS to achieve carbon reductions.
- Comments on Innovative Technologies and Practices for the Agriculture Innovation Agenda
Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF are innovative technologies that can support USDA's goals for carbon reductions in the agriculture sector.
- Testimony of Donnell Rehagen, Nov 2021 House Ag Energy SubCmte. Bioeconomy Hearing
The clean fuels industry is a pivotal contributor to rural economies,
creating jobs and value-added markets. Biodiesel and renewable
diesel use can improve environmental health and reduce associated costs for both rural and urban communities. Cleaner, better fuels highlight the contribution that rural economies can make to the
nation’s overall climate and carbon reduction goals
Renewable Diesel
- Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel: Better Together (short)
Infograph: biodiesel and renewable diesel blends can fully replace petroleum diesel and reduce particulate matter, carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel: Better Together
Infograph: A combination of biodiesel and renewable diesel produces a cost-effective full replacement option for petroleum diesel.
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
- Letter to EPA on 2026 RFS Volumes from Nine Trade Associations
Each of our industries are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we recognize that sustainable biofuels offer some of the most substantial immediate benefits to deliver carbon reductions. The EPA should utilize the RFS to improve energy security, bolster domestic industry and manufacturing, and maintain America’s leadership in developing and using sustainable, clean transportation technologies. While our industries will continue to make investments in producing, distributing, and using low-carbon fuels, EPA can and should send a strong signal to the market through robust RVOs.
- Letter from Reps. Hinson, Craig and 35 Representatives to EPA Administrator Regan Urging Higher RFS Volumes Particularly for Biomass-based diesel
EPA's 2023 RFS volumes for biodiesel and renewable diesel are a step in the wrong direction.
- Letter from 16 Senators to EPA Administrator Regan on the 2023 RFS Volumes for Biomass-based Diesel
The final RFS rule must increase the volumes for biomass-based diesel to reflect market conditions.
- Letter from Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska Governors to EPA Administrator Regan on RFS Biomass-based Diesel Volumes for 2023-2025
The Proposed Renewable Fuel Standard Rules for 2023, 2024 and 2025 did not provide the expected upward trajectory for the biomass-based diesel industry.
- Letter to President Joe Biden from 75 Stakeholders on the RFS Biomass-based Diesel Volumes for 2023-2025
Increased production of biodiesel and renewable diesel in 2023 illustrates the need for EPA to raise RFS volumes substantially.
- Clean Fuels Comments on EPA Proposed Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3
EPA cannot discount the immediate benefits biodiesel and renewable diesel have as we decarbonize the heavy-duty sector.
- Letter from Clean Fuels, Transportation and Heating Oil Associations to EPA Administrator Regan on RFS Biomass-based Diesel Volumes for 2023-2025
The U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization notes that clean, sustainable fuels are needed right now to drive emissions reductions and set us on a road to a clean transportation future.
- Clean Fuels Comment on Draft “Biofuels and the Environment: Third Triennial Report to Congress”
We urge EPA to re-examine its assessments of the biofuels and agricultural markets and the methodology it uses to assess land cover and land management change
- Clean Fuels Comments on Proposed RFS Volumes for 2023, 2024, and 2025
Increasing production of clean fuels through the RFS improves U.S. energy security, lowers diesel fuel prices, and generates carbon and emission reductions today that are necessary to meet future national environmental goals
- Letter to President Biden on Gas Prices, June 2022
The RFS increases the supply of distillate fuels used to transport consumer items. The added supply keeps prices at the pump lower.
- Letter to Congress Policy Priorities, 2021
The industry's federal policy priorities include stable tax incentives, funding for infrastructure, and optimizing the RFS to achieve carbon reductions.
SAF
- Clean Fuels Comments on Treasury Guidance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit
SAF derived from co-processing is ineligible for the tax incentive. Treasury should adopt GREET as the similar methodology.
- Letter from 12 Senators to Treasury Secretary Yellen Urging Use of GREET in SAF Tax Incentives
Treasury should adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies
(GREET) model as the secondary methodology for calculating tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced
State one-pager
- Nebraska
- California
Infograph: Biomass-based diesel's share
of California's diesel fuel market reached 45.5% in 2022 - Connecticut
Infograph: Connecticut's heating oil
must contain a growing percentage of
biodiesel -- reaching 50% in 2035. - Illinois
Infograph: Illinois is a top producer and consumer of biodiesel and a top grower of soybeans.
- Indiana
Infograph: According to a recent study, a tax incentive for biodiesel blends could increase Indiana’s
use of homegrown biodiesel by 5.6 million gallons per year. - Iowa
Infograph: Iowa biodiesel production
increased to 349 million gallons
in 2022. - Louisiana
Infograph: Soybeans were Louisiana's top crop in 2022.
- Massachusetts
Infograph: By 2023, Massachusetts will
implement a long-term declining
emissions cap on heating fuels. - Michigan
Infograph: A statewide renewable fuel standard would drastically increase Michigan’s potential demand for biodiesel blends and eventually reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 1.4 million metric tons per year.
- Minnesota
Infograph: Minnesota was the first state to require biodiesel use. It is a top producer of biodiesel and grower of soybeans.
- Missouri
Infograph: Missouri’s 247 million gallon/year capacity represents roughly 10 percent of total U.S. biodiesel production capacity.
- New York
Infograph: New York State requires
increasing biodiesel blends in home heating oil: 20% by July 2030. - Ohio
Infograph: Ohio is among the top 10 states in soybean production and biodiesel use.
- Oregon
Infograph: In 2022, biodiesel and renewable diesel met 14.3% of Oregon's diesel fuel demand.
- Rhode Island
Infograph: Rhode Island requires blends of 5% biodiesel or renewable diesel in all heating oil for residential, commercial, or industrial uses. The requirement increases to 50% in 2030.
- Texas
Infograph: Among U.S. states, Texas
ranks second in both biodiesel and renewable diesel production. - Washington
Infograph: Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) requires fuel suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels
to 20% below 2017 levels by 2038.
Sustainable Impact
- Trinity Report: Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel Fuel for On-Road Transportation Sources in the Bronx
This report assesses the health benefits of substituting biodiesel in on-road transportation sources that are currently fueled by diesel in Bronx, New York.
- 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.
- 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.
- Clean Fuels Industry Benefits
Infograph: The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is essential, generating economic, environmental, and health benefits.
- 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.
- 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.
Tax Incentive
- Group Letter Urging Treasury Action on 45Z Tax Credit
Twenty-five trade associations representing producers, feedstock providers, blenders, consumers, and retailers of low-carbon, renewable fuels sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury to finalize and publish guidance for the §45 Clean Fuels Production Credit as soon as possible.
- Group Letter Urging Use of GREET Model for SAF Tax Incentive
Clean Fuels, ASA, NOPA and U.S. Canola urge using the most recent version of the GREET model as the “similar methodology” option for determining SAF tax credit eligibility.
- Clean Fuels Comments on Treasury Guidance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit
SAF derived from co-processing is ineligible for the tax incentive. Treasury should adopt GREET as the similar methodology.
- Letter from 12 Senators to Treasury Secretary Yellen Urging Use of GREET in SAF Tax Incentives
Treasury should adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies
(GREET) model as the secondary methodology for calculating tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced - Clean Fuels Comments on Treasury Notice for Clean Hydrogen and Clean Fuel Credits
Treasury should use GREET -- a U.S. lifecycle carbon emissions accounting model -- to determine tax credits for U.S. produced fuels.
- Clean Fuels Comments to U.S. Treasury on Clean Fuel Production Credit Guidance, 2022
It is critical that Treasury and IRS implement a verified, current, and science-based emissions rate methodology to set tax credit values.
- Letter to President Biden on Clean Fuels Jobs and Economic Impact, July 2022
In 2021, while petroleum production fell, the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry grew and added jobs. Stable tax incentives were a key reason.
- Study: The Economic Benefits of the Biodiesel Blenders’ Credit
The biodiesel tax incentive supports thousands of rural jobs and environmental benefits worth $4 billion in 2020.
- Letter to Congress Policy Priorities, 2021
The industry's federal policy priorities include stable tax incentives, funding for infrastructure, and optimizing the RFS to achieve carbon reductions.
Technical
- Cold Flow
Infograph: Biodiesel blends are being used successfully in challenging winter climates.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer Fuel Compatibility
Infograph: Biodiesel must be produced to strict ASTM fuel specifications, ensuring proper performance in all engines
and equipment in the marketplace. - NREL Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (6th-Edition)
NREL guide provides basic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in engines to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors, and others understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer Positions on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
Infograph: Original Equipment Manufacturer Positions on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
- Sample Material Safety Data Sheet for Biodiesel
Sample Material Safety Data Sheet for Biodiesel
Toolkit
- On the Road with Biodiesel
Biodiesel offers fleets affordable, low-carbon solutions to immediately improve the sustainability of their operations. This better, cleaner fuel is available now and provides immediate carbon reductions.
- NREL Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (6th-Edition)
NREL guide provides basic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in engines to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors, and others understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer Positions on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
Infograph: Original Equipment Manufacturer Positions on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
- Sample Material Safety Data Sheet for Biodiesel
Sample Material Safety Data Sheet for Biodiesel