State Greens Government Fuel Purchases

As part of Governor Brown’s continuing efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment, the California Department of General Services today announced that state agencies are now required to buy renewable diesel when making bulk fuel purchases for diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

“By using green or renewable diesel fuels, the state can further reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions connected to government operations,” said 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, Governor Brown directed (Executive Order B-30-15) state agencies to take measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 gas reductions targets of 40 percent and 80 percent below 1990 levels, respectively. Today’s announcement by DGS is one of several actions taken by Governor Brown to confront the climate challenge.

In his inaugural address earlier this year, Governor Brown announced that within the next 15 years, California will increase from one-third to 50 percent our electricity derived from renewable sources; reduce today's petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent; double the efficiency savings from existing buildings and make heating fuels cleaner; reduce the release of methane, black carbon and other potent pollutants across industries; and manage farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon.

In addition, DGS has been leading by example to reduce state government’s carbon footprint including signing an agreement this year to power state-owned buildings in the Capitol region with renewable energy.

Read the DGS directive on renewable diesel bulk fuel purchases: DGS Management Memo 15-07 or http://bit.ly/1ORhglR.