The world is dealing with multiple crises in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The war has created new perils for global food distribution, energy security, and economic stability. 

Still, even as we address these important issues, we have to stay the course in addressing carbon emissions that are threatening our planet with dramatic climate change and, this balancing act requires America’s leadership.

Political leaders are justified in barring Russian energy imports. It’s essential that the U.S. shut down the funding for Russia’s aggression – namely, Russian oil and gas. Leaders also should be wary of simply shifting our reliance to another oil exporting regime. After all, OPEC and Saudi Arabia began driving up fuel prices and inflation with global fossil fuel supply disruptions even before Russia’s invasion. We have a choice in producing the energy our economic engine needs. 

Meeting all these challenges should include growing available homegrown fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel that are already well-integrated in our economy. President Biden took a bold step last month in Iowa announcing several initiatives to support America’s renewable fuel producers. He needs to continue to follow through with additional commitment. These cleaner, better fuels provide indispensable economic and environmental benefits. 

U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are meeting a crucial need right now in keeping vital goods moving across the country. Nationally, biodiesel and renewable diesel already provide 5% of the fuel for heavy-duty trucking. Even during the pandemic, production and use of these clean fuels increased to keep the economy going. And they can continue to grow. 

For instance, last year as the economy rebounded California trucks and heavy-duty vehicles used more than 1.2 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel. Overall, in 2021 one-third of the state’s diesel fuel for trucking and other heavy-duty uses came from renewable sources. Airlines flying into and out of the state also used more than 8 million gallons of renewable jet fuel. 

These fuels made the biggest impact among all fuel sources on California’s carbon goals – fully 44% of the state’s carbon reduction credits came from use of biodiesel and renewable diesel. On average, today’s clean fuels achieve lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions of 74% compared to petroleum. Our nation won’t reach the goal of net zero carbon emissions in aviation, heavy-duty trucking, home-heating and other hard-to-decarbonize sectors without these clean fuels.

The point is that clean, renewable fuels are playing an important role right now in maintaining fuel supplies and keeping prices down. Without the critical additional supply, diesel prices would be even higher today, impacting the costs of many other goods. But we still need to do more. 

Biodiesel and renewable diesel production helps build our fuels supply, but it also helps America’s farmers with market certainty and a fair price for their products. Producing these clean fuels supports economic opportunities and well-paid jobs in hundreds of rural communities from California to Maine. And it delivers significant carbon reductions today that are a down payment on a clean energy future.

Most importantly, the production of more biofuels is one of the answers to the current fuel shortage we face. We need to continue to build markets for renewable fuel and sustainable aviation fuel for the future. That is a successful approach the U.S. can use to address the current challenges and emerge economically stronger than ever.

Former Senator Dorgan (D-ND) is a senior policy advisor for ArentFox Schiff LLP.

via Real Clear Energy

May 25, 2022

By Byron Doran

Clean Fuels Are Essential to Addressing Today’s Energy Crises | RealClearEnergy