California tour showcases renewable fuels in action

Renewable fuels embody a significant interest for the soybean checkoff. There are headlines around the world of companies announcing carbon reduction goals and purchasing large quantities of renewable fuels to achieve their targets. With increased national focus on environmental outcomes, soy-based fuels – including biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel – provide an immediate solution to voluntary and mandated decarbonization.

One mandate, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard in California, created important opportunities for soybeans with its inception. Why does a state over 700 miles away matter to Kansas soybean farmers? If California were its own country, it would have the fifth largest economy in the world. With the state consuming 3.5 billion gallons of diesel per year, biodiesel and renewable diesel’s 60 percent share of the diesel pool is significant. The LCFS is expected to expand its carbon reduction goals from 10% in 2020 to 90% reduction by 2045.

On a California biomass tour in March led by Clean Fuels Alliance America, participants connected with and learned from companies switching to better, cleaner fuels. One example, commuter rail Metrolink, began fueling their 60 locomotives with 100 percent renewable fuel two years ago, becoming the first railroad in the country to do so. Nearly 17,000 riders utilize Metrolink every weekday.

Visit our partners at Clean Fuels for all the latest industry developments or find the Better Cleaner Now Podcast.