The California Department of General Services (DGS) has announced that state agencies are now required to buy renewable diesel when making bulk fuel purchases for diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. DGS says the mandate is a part of Gov. Jerry Brown’s continuing environmental-protection efforts.
“By using green or renewable diesel fuels, the state can further reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions connected to government operations,” comments DGS Director Daniel C. Kim. “This directive to state agencies will help us meet the governor’s goals for combating climate change.”
DGS estimates an annual reduction of 49,000 tons of carbon intensity by replacing approximately 7.3 million gallons of conventional diesel with renewable diesel in state operations. Earlier this year, Brown directed state agencies to take measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 gas reductions targets of 40% and 80% below 1990 levels, respectively.
DGS says this new mandate is just one is one of several actions taken by the governor to confront the climate challenge. For example, in his inaugural address earlier this year, Brown announced that within the next 15 years, California will reduce today’s petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50%.
