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% 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%. 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 (LCFS) targets.
