Renewable Diesel In Portland

Renewable Diesel Is A Cleaner Future for Oregon Fleets

At Star Oilco, we deliver renewable diesel fuel to businesses, fleets, and organizations across Portland and the Pacific Northwest. As Oregon leads the way in reducing carbon emissions, renewable diesel provides a drop-in replacement for petroleum diesel that lowers your carbon footprint, keeps you compliant with local laws, and secures your fuel supply for the future.

Whether you operate construction equipment, trucking fleets, generators, or off-road machinery, renewable diesel offers the same performance and reliability with a fraction of the CO₂ emissions. By switching to renewable diesel in Portland, Oregon, your company can meet strict environmental standards while improving operational sustainability. Star Oilco makes it simple to transition to renewable fuels with reliable delivery and tailored supply agreements designed to fit your business needs.

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Portland Old Town sign representing the city’s commitment to renewable fuel standards

What Is Biomass-Based Diesel?

Biomass-based diesel is an umbrella term for biodiesel and renewable diesel. Both fuels are made from recycled feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal fats, or plant-based oils.

When fueling up in Oregon, you may notice pump labels stating “may contain 5–20% biomass-based diesel.” Here’s what that means:

  • Oregon law requires a minimum of 5% renewable content in all retail diesel.

  • Biodiesel is typically blended between 5% (B5) and 20% (B20).

  • Renewable diesel can replace up to 99% of conventional diesel while meeting ASTM D975 diesel standards.

In short: If you’re fueling in Oregon, you’re already using renewable fuel and Star Oilco can help you access higher blends for greater sustainability and compliance.

Watch our Star Oilco Beaver discuss more about Biomass-Based Diesel.

Portland’s Renewable Fuel Standard

The City of Portland is aggressively moving away from fossil fuel diesel.

  • May 2024: Standard increased from 5% to 15% renewable content.

  • Fuel must meet under 40 carbon intensity (CI), which equals about a 60% CO₂ reduction compared to petroleum diesel.

  • May 2026: Requirement jumps to 50% renewable diesel or biodiesel with more than 60% CO₂ reduction.

This impacts every business fueling inside Portland, from freight and delivery companies to construction contractors and public fleets. You can learn more from Star Oilco’s Beaver discussing the Portland Renewable Fuel Standard in our video here.

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A Low Carbon Future for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is at the forefront of the clean energy transition. Oregon, Washington, and California have each adopted Clean Fuels Programs that steadily reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of transportation fuels sold in the region. These programs are designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, one of the largest sources of CO₂, and to drive adoption of renewable fuels such as renewable diesel and biodiesel.

Unlike traditional fuel regulations that only focus on blend percentages, these programs measure the full lifecycle emissions of fuel. That means every gallon is graded on how much CO₂ is produced from production to combustion. Each year, the required carbon intensity decreases, forcing petroleum diesel out of the market and opening the door for low-carbon diesel alternatives.

What this means for your business:

  • Every year, the allowable CO₂ footprint of diesel fuel shrinks, and fleets will need renewable fuel to stay compliant.

  • Renewable diesel provides the fastest and most efficient path to compliance without costly engine modifications, retrofits, or infrastructure changes.

  • Companies that transition now avoid future compliance penalties, supply shortages, or last-minute scramble costs when regulations tighten further.

  • Businesses using renewable diesel can also improve their ESG reporting, meet sustainability goals, and gain a competitive advantage when bidding on contracts that require lower carbon operations.

  • With Star Oilco’s renewable diesel delivery service in Portland and throughout Oregon, you can lock in a reliable supply of low-carbon fuel and avoid the risks of volatile market availability.

The Clean Fuels Programs are not just about regulation. They represent a long-term market shift. Renewable diesel is no longer optional in Oregon. It is the fuel of the future. Watch our video here that discusses more on this topic.

Why Does Diesel Look Different?

If you have noticed that diesel in your tank does not always look the same, there is a good reason. The color of the fuel often reveals what type of fuel it is and whether it contains renewable content.

  • Traditional petroleum diesel historically had a greenish tint. This was the standard appearance drivers were used to seeing for decades.

  • Biodiesel is typically a bright yellow color. This is because it is made from recycled feedstocks such as plant oils, animal fats, and used cooking oils. The yellow tint comes directly from these natural sources.

  • Renewable diesel is clear and water-like. Its refining process produces a clean-burning, low-carbon fuel that looks more like water than traditional diesel.

These color variations are more than just cosmetic. They are visual proof that low-carbon fuels are already integrated into Oregon’s diesel supply chain. Every time you fuel up in Portland or the Pacific Northwest, you may be receiving a blend of biodiesel or renewable diesel that lowers your carbon footprint and keeps you in compliance with local fuel standards.

For fleets and businesses, recognizing these differences is important. A clear or yellow-tinted fuel does not mean lower quality. In fact, it often signals you are using renewable diesel or biodiesel that meets strict environmental regulations while providing the same performance as petroleum diesel.

With Star Oilco, you can be confident that the fuel delivered to your tanks is tested, compliant, and ready to power your equipment while supporting Oregon’s transition to a low-carbon future. Learn more with our video of Star Oilco’s Beaver discussing diesel fuel colors.

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Secure Your Renewable Diesel Supply with Star Oilco

As demand grows and regulations tighten, availability can fluctuate. Star Oilco helps companies in Portland and across Oregon guarantee renewable diesel delivery through long-term supply agreements.
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Benefits of Renewable Diesel in Portland

Switching to renewable diesel fuel in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest provides immediate advantages for fleets, businesses, and organizations that depend on diesel-powered vehicles or equipment. Unlike traditional petroleum diesel, renewable diesel is refined from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal fats, and plant oils, making it a drop-in solution for lowering emissions without sacrificing performance.

Instantly lower CO₂ emissions by up to 60% or more

Renewable diesel has a much lower carbon intensity (CI) than petroleum diesel, helping companies meet Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program requirements while significantly reducing their greenhouse gas footprint.

No engine modifications required

Renewable diesel is a drop-in replacement fuel. It works seamlessly in any diesel engine, from heavy-duty trucks and construction equipment to generators and off-road machinery, with no costly retrofits or upgrades needed.

Cleaner combustion for better air quality

Renewable diesel burns more cleanly than petroleum diesel, resulting in fewer particulates, less soot, and reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. This improves local air quality and extends the life of diesel engines by reducing buildup.

Meets ASTM D975 diesel specification

Renewable diesel is chemically almost identical to petroleum diesel and meets the same ASTM D975 standard. This means it can be stored, transported, and used exactly like conventional diesel with no changes to your fueling infrastructure.

Supports corporate sustainability goals and ESG reporting

Many businesses in Oregon are now required to report or demonstrate their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. Using renewable diesel directly supports carbon reduction commitments, green certifications, and sustainability initiatives that can set your company apart when bidding on contracts.

By adopting renewable diesel now, businesses across Portland and the Pacific Northwest can stay ahead of regulations, reduce operating risk, and improve environmental performance without sacrificing reliability.

What The Difference Between Biodiesel vs Renewable Diesel?

Feature Biodiesel Renewable Diesel
Made From Fats and oils Fats, oils, and greases
Production Process Chemical reaction Petroleum-style refining
Fuel Appearance Yellow Clear like water
Engine Compatibility Up to 20% blends only Drop-in ready

Both reduce carbon emissions, but renewable diesel offers better cold weather performance, storage stability, and fewer limitations for your fleet.

How does renewable diesel affect the climate and air quality?

Renewable diesel offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel, with up to 60% lower lifecycle CO₂ emissions depending on the feedstock used. In Portland and across Oregon, switching to renewable diesel helps fleets meet the state’s carbon reduction standards while supporting cleaner air in our communities. This ultra-low sulfur fuel burns cleaner, producing fewer particulates and less nitrogen oxide (NOx), which improves local air quality. Star Oilco delivers renewable diesel throughout the Portland metro area, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint without changing their existing equipment.

Will renewable diesel cost more than regular diesel?

The price of renewable diesel in Portland and the Pacific Northwest can be slightly higher than traditional petroleum diesel, but the cost difference is often offset by lower maintenance expenses and compliance with Oregon’s clean fuel standards. Because renewable diesel burns cleaner, it can reduce buildup in emission systems and extend service intervals, which can save money over the long term. Star Oilco works with fleets to find cost-effective renewable diesel delivery options that meet budget, performance, and sustainability goals.

Will renewable diesel work in my engine?

Yes. Renewable diesel is a drop-in replacement for petroleum diesel, meaning it meets ASTM D975 specifications and works in any diesel engine without modifications. Whether you operate heavy-duty trucks, construction equipment, or on-road delivery vehicles in the Portland metro area, renewable diesel can be used immediately without blending or special handling. Star Oilco supplies renewable diesel directly to commercial and municipal fleets across Oregon and Washington to ensure a seamless transition.

Is renewable diesel being produced in Oregon?

While most renewable diesel supplied in Portland currently comes from large refineries in California, Washington, and the Midwest, production capacity in the Pacific Northwest is growing. Oregon’s clean fuel programs and low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) are encouraging investment in local production facilities. Star Oilco sources renewable diesel from trusted West Coast producers, ensuring a reliable supply for customers throughout Portland, Salem, and surrounding areas.

What is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in Portland?

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a federal program requiring transportation fuels sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. In Portland, the RFS works alongside Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Local regulations require that all retail diesel fuel contain a minimum percentage of renewable content, currently 15% as of May 2024, which achieves a 60% carbon reduction compared to fossil diesel. Star Oilco helps fleets navigate these requirements and delivers fuels that meet or exceed both federal and Oregon state standards.

What is renewable diesel made from?

Renewable diesel is made from sustainably sourced fats, oils, and greases, including used cooking oil, animal fats, and plant-based oils. These feedstocks are refined using a hydrotreating process similar to how petroleum diesel is made, resulting in a fuel that is chemically identical to traditional diesel but much cleaner. In Portland and across the Pacific Northwest, Star Oilco delivers renewable diesel sourced from trusted West Coast refiners, ensuring a high-quality, low-emission fuel for commercial, construction, and municipal fleets.

Who Benefits Most from Renewable Diesel?

Renewable diesel is not just for one type of customer. Because it is a drop-in replacement fuel, it can benefit any business, municipality, or organization that depends on diesel power. The industries seeing the greatest advantages include:

  • Trucking and Freight Companies
    Long-haul and regional trucking fleets can cut CO₂ emissions immediately without worrying about fueling infrastructure or engine conversions. Renewable diesel also helps fleets comply with customer sustainability requirements and state-level carbon reduction standards.

  • Construction and Heavy Equipment Operators
    Contractors in Portland and across Oregon face new regulations on fuel use. Renewable diesel helps meet compliance goals on job sites while reducing soot and emissions that impact equipment performance and operator health.

  • Municipalities and Public Fleets
    Cities and counties across the Pacific Northwest are adopting renewable diesel to meet climate action plans and renewable fuel mandates. Public works, sanitation, and transportation fleets can transition seamlessly to renewable diesel while demonstrating leadership in sustainability.

  • Emergency Services and Backup Power
    Hospitals, data centers, and critical infrastructure rely on diesel generators for backup power. Renewable diesel provides the same reliability with fewer emissions, aligning emergency operations with environmental goals.

  • Agriculture and Off-Road Equipment
    Farms and agricultural businesses benefit from renewable diesel by lowering their environmental impact while keeping tractors, harvesters, and off-road equipment running strong.

By switching to renewable diesel, businesses and public agencies gain a reliable way to meet Oregon’s renewable fuel standards, reduce their carbon footprint, and secure a cleaner, compliant fuel supply for the future.

home insulation representing energy efficiency for renewable fuel standard compliance in Portland Oregon

What Is The Renewable Fuel Standard In Portland?

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Did you hear about the time Portland banned fossil fuel diesel? Portland is making a big move to provide cleaner air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Portland has implemented what’s called the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) beginning  its first phase on May 15th, 2024. The RFS policy in Portland mandates that there has to be…

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The Future of Diesel Fuel

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