EPA Says Canola Oil can be Used as Feedstock for Renewable Diesel

The US Canola Association (USCA) is happy with the decision by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that renewable diesel made from canola oil now counts as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) programme.

This is good news for canola farmers, producers of renewable fuels, consumers, and the environment.

“The EPA’s approval of these new pathways provides more ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, parity for canola oil with other vegetable oils and fats in the market, canola farmers additional markets for surplus crops, and renewable fuel producers diversified feedstock options,” stated Andrew Moore, USCA president and canola grower.

The USCA petitioned the EPA in March 2020 to approve canola oil as a feedstock for sustainable diesel.

In April 2022, the EPA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that said renewable diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and heating oil made from canola oil should reduce GHG emissions by at least 50% compared to petroleum to be eligible for the RFS.

“Increasing demand for lower carbon, cleaner burning fuels makes those derived from canola oil important as the United States strives to diversify its long-term energy sources and renewable fuel feedstocks,” added Moore. “More feedstock options allow renewable fuel producers to utilise market efficiencies, protect against price volatility, and provide flexibilities due to unforeseen circumstances.”

According to the EPA, renewable diesel production in the US increased from 62 million gallons in 2011 to 838 million gallons in 2021.

Due to the conversion of petroleum refineries and the new building of renewable diesel refineries, the US Energy Information Administration forecasts this production to triple by the end of 2023. This growth is being driven mostly by low-carbon fuel rules in states such as California, which boost US agriculture.

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Source: Biofuels International