The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is seeking community feedback on another initiative to meet the City’s 2050 climate and renewable energy goals by reducing dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels.
Today, BPS opened public feedback on a proposed code amendment that would increase the required percentage of renewable fuels blended with petroleum diesel. Currently, petroleum diesel sold within the city of Portland is required to have at least a 5% blend of renewable fuels. The proposed code amendment suggests a four-step increase, concluding in 2026 with a requirement of 99% blend of renewable fuels.
Burning diesel fuel in vehicles and off-road equipment is Portland’s fourth largest source of carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 14% of total local emissions. Increasing the requirement of renewable fuels blended with petroleum diesel displaces dirtier diesel fuels with cleaner, renewable options much sooner than any other alternatives. It also provides immediate air-quality improvements by reducing diesel particulate matter, which is a harmful pollutant that directly impacts the health of Portlanders.
The proposal also includes a carbon intensity standard to ensure Portland uses the least carbon-intensive fuels. This standard is a measurement of all total greenhouse gases emitted during the life cycle of the fuel – production, transportation, fuel combustion and other land use impacts – rather than just tailpipe emissions.
The City of Portland recognizes that the future of energy is electric, and renewable fuels are an interim step. The goal of this proposal is to replace petroleum diesel with cleaner alternatives in the short term, while building a new, inclusive clean economy for Portland.
Have your say
Portlanders are invited to review the proposed code amendment and comment via the Map App.
Comments will be accepted until Monday, Oct. 3, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Learn more at an online open house
Portlanders are also invited to join City of Portland staff via Zoom to ask questions and provide input on the City's proposed amendments to Portland City Code Chapter 16.60, the Renewable Fuel Standard.