Proposed CARB changes raise concern from Iowa Groups Over Biodiesel Credits

The Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association have voiced strong objections to recent proposed changes by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to its pioneering Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). These amendments, if enacted, would place limits on the credits available for biodiesel and renewable diesel derived from soybeans and canola.

Grant Kimberley, senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association and executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, criticized the proposals in a statement. He described the amendments as “short-sighted” and counterproductive to CARB’s objective of reducing carbon emissions in the fuel sector. Kimberley argued that instead of further supporting biodiesel—an existing and effective solution contributing to cleaner fuel in California—CARB is unfairly penalizing it while awaiting the development of future technologies.

The proposed caps on vegetable oil feedstocks and stringent requirements for soybean oil lack scientific justification, according to Kimberley. He expressed concern that these measures could undermine California’s achievements in emission reductions and disrupt the economic stability of renewable fuels across the country. This, he warned, sets a troubling precedent not only for California but also for other states that look to California's policies as a model, and it adversely affects Iowa and other states with robust biodiesel production and a strong agricultural economy.

Kimberley highlighted that, unlike petroleum, which is not penalized by these proposals, biodiesel producers and farmers who are committed to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future would be unfairly targeted. He called on CARB to reassess the proposed changes, emphasizing the need to support, rather than hinder, existing renewable fuel solutions that contribute significantly to reducing emissions and advancing sustainability.

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is committed to boosting soybean demand through market development, exploring new applications, and providing research, information, and policy support that benefit farmers and the industry.  Established in 1964 by farmers for farmers, ISA is led by a 22-member board of farmers dedicated to representing Iowa’s approximately 37,000 soybean producers, including 15,000 ISA farmer members and other industry stakeholders. ISA allocates checkoff funds to support programs and services tailored to the needs of Iowa soybean farmers. From research and transportation to market development and communications, ISA provides a variety of initiatives aimed at delivering valuable information and support to help farmers boost their competitiveness. The soybean, a type of legume originally from Southeast Asia, was first cultivated by Chinese farmers. Its adoption by U.S. farmers began in earnest in the late 1800s.