The 2026 Clean Fuels Conference held in January brought together producers, policymakers, fleet operators, and technology providers to assess the current state of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel in the United States. Discussions throughout the conference reflected a sector navigating regulatory uncertainty while identifying areas of near- and long-term opportunity.
Speakers highlighted that the past year presented challenges for clean fuel producers, including slower production growth and unsettled regulatory conditions. Key areas of uncertainty included the future of the federal 45Z clean fuel production tax credit and the potential for Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) exemptions for small refineries.
Despite these challenges, the conference underscored several developments that could shape the market in the coming years:
- EPA’s proposed increase in biomass-based diesel (BBD) Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) by nearly 2 billion gallons for 2026
- Exclusion of speculative indirect land-use change scores from 45Z tax credit calculations
- Growing opportunities within state-level clean fuel standards and low-carbon fuel programs
The conference also featured a vehicle and equipment showcase highlighting recent advances in diesel technology and clean fuel integration. Conference sessions and on-site demonstrations reflected an industry balancing short-term regulatory questions with longer-term momentum. Continued coordination among producers, policymakers, OEMs, and fleets was a recurring theme, as was the role of finalized policies and standards in shaping future deployment.
| Left: Estes Express Lines: International LT625 truck powered by a Cummins X15 diesel engine and equipped with the Immixt Renewable Fuel System, capable of operating on biodiesel blends up to B100
Right: John Deere 6 Series Tractor
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