A California Air Resources Board (CARB) amendment is set to impose a 20% cap on canola biodiesel production for each biofuel producer, reported Selina Wamucii News.
On August 27, CARB concluded the public comment period for its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) proposal. Among the amendments pending a final decision on November 8, 2024, is a proposal to limit canola-based renewable energy production per company.
If approved, the 20% cap will give biodiesel producers who currently exceed this limit until January 1, 2028, to comply.
California’s jet fuel industry aims to significantly reduce hydrogen emissions from fossil sources by 2030, with a goal of achieving a 100% reduction in emissions from fossil-based engine oils by that time. Additionally, the state seeks to lower its median carbon intensity (CI) level by 22.75%, up from the 13.75% target set in 2018. This represents a 9% increase in the green target over five years, impacting producers who use oilseed feedstocks.
The amendment, if enacted, will take effect from the first quarter of 2025, restricting all new soy and canola biofuel producers. Both canola and soybean oil will be subject to the 20% production cap. This restriction will affect a resource whose usage surged significantly at the end of 2023 due to the growing popularity of soymeal-derived biofuels.
Although biomass (plant-based) fuels are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels like petroleum, they still produce emissions. Research from 2022 even indicated that corn biofuel might be 24% worse than gasoline in terms of emissions.
To read more about Biodiesel Industry News, continue reading BioEnergyTimes.com
