National Biodiesel Day celebrates America’s history, future of clean-fuel production

Biodiesel has been an early driver of clean-fuel growth in America and a consistent foundation for farm and food security throughout the 21st century.

On March 18, National Biodiesel Day, Clean Fuels Alliance America celebrates the industry’s resiliency and looks ahead to new opportunities for growth.

“Biodiesel helped chart the course for today’s clean-fuels market in heavy-duty transportation and opened the doors to applications in rail, marine, Bioheat® fuel and aviation,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen. “We have built that progress on a proud legacy of clean, homegrown fuel led by our nation’s soybean farms.”

National Biodiesel Day commemorates the birthday of Rudolf Diesel, who invented the diesel engine and predicted the importance of biodiesel more than a century ago.

“The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today, but such oils may become, in the course of time, as important as petroleum and the coal-tar products of the present time,” he said in a speech in 1912.

That idea is as important today as ever, Rehagen said.

“Domestic fuel production is the key to protecting our nation’s interests, as current events remind us once again,” he said. “Biodiesel is essential to farm security, food security and national security.”

Biodiesel supports farm profitability and stability, enabling farmers to meet growing demand for food and fuel.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel production are responsible for 10 percent of the value of every bushel of U.S.-grown soybeans.

Additionally, diverse markets for soybeans create resiliency and stability in agriculture.

The industry expects even more in the future.

The U.S. EPA has recognized the potential of clean fuels to grow in the coming years, proposing a renewable volume obligation (RVO) of 5.61 billion gallons for 2026 and a growth path of annual increases in future years.

Other opportunities include state-level low-carbon fuel programs and the recent release of the proposed rule for the 45Z clean fuel production credit.

“America’s soybean farmers and clean-fuel producers stand ready as tools to support additional growth are finalized,” Rehagen said. “The need is clear, and this industry will respond in 2026 and beyond.”