Clean Fuels applauds California’s decision to sunset outdated biodiesel restrictions

Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomed a ruling by the California Air Resources Board to sunset the nitrogen-oxides (NOx) mitigation requirement for biodiesel blends up to B20 (20 percent biodiesel) in the Alternative Diesel Fuel regulation.

Clean Fuels first called for sunsetting the B20 restrictions in the ADF in 2022 after CARB data showed the regulatory triggers for lifting the restrictions had been met.

California previously required producers to mix a minimum of 55 percent renewable diesel with biodiesel blends from B6 to B20 to mitigate NOx concerns in older heavy-duty vehicles.

CARB’s own emissions modeling shows this step is not needed and has contributed to keeping overall biodiesel blends below 10 percent.

Since biodiesel is more affordable than fossil diesel for fleet operators, lifting the ADF restriction enables market growth, marking a significant milestone for the clean-fuels industry.  

While recent CARB actions have created regulatory headwinds for biodiesel, the decision to sunset the NOx mitigation requirement is a constructive step forward based on solid data acknowledging biodiesel’s established role in helping California meet its Low Carbon Fuel Standard targets.

“Sunsetting the NOx requirement in the ADF regulation recognizes what the data has shown for years—that biodiesel is a proven, low-carbon fuel already effectively regulated under the LCFS,” said Jeffrey Earl, the director of state governmental affairs at Clean Fuels.

“This decision provides regulatory clarity and reinforces biodiesel’s value as a cost-effective compliance option that benefits fuel providers, fleet operators and consumers,” Earl added.

Clean Fuels will continue challenging CARB to ensure California’s clean-fuels policies are grounded in sound data and recognize the reliable performance of low-carbon liquid fuels while maintaining a balanced approach that advances emissions reductions and protects fuel affordability and supply reliability.

The executive order sunsetting the ADF regulation’s NOx mitigation requirement takes effect Jan. 1.

A copy of the executive order can be found here.