Replacing petroleum diesel by 2030 with biomass-based diesel seen feasible

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stated goal of eliminating petroleum diesel emissions in California by 2030 is achievable through the growth in the market for clean, sustainable diesels, according to a new report from the California Advanced Biofuels Alliance.

Transitioning to sustainable diesels will represent a 71 percent decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to those from climate-changing petroleum diesel, the report states. Furthermore, through a mixed approach of efficiency improvements, further electrification of vehicles and continued growth in the use of sustainable clean diesel fuels, the state can significantly improve air quality for millions of Californians, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities.

The findings are contained in “A Roadmap for Eliminating Petroleum Diesel in California by 2030,” an industry report on the impact and viability of sustainable fuels. Use of the two major types of sustainable diesel fuel (biodiesel and renewable diesel) has grown rapidly since 2010, jumping from less than 1 percent to approximately 15 percent, the report states.