- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Humboldt Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Advocates for Biodiesel in Clean School Bus Program
IRFA recommends EPA allocate funds to help school districts adopt higher biodiesel blends.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:11pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
An abstract visual representation of the scientific principles and environmental advantages that make biodiesel a promising fuel option for school bus fleets.Humboldt TodayThe Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advocating for the inclusion of biodiesel in the Clean School Bus (CSB) Program. IRFA is pushing for the EPA to allocate resources towards biodiesel infrastructure, engine modification technologies, and incentives to encourage school districts to adopt higher biodiesel blends like B20 or B100.
Why it matters
The Clean School Bus Program aims to reduce emissions from school buses, and biodiesel has been shown to provide environmental benefits compared to conventional diesel. IRFA's recommendations could help increase biodiesel adoption in school bus fleets, leading to lower emissions and fuel cost savings for participating districts.
The details
In its comments, IRFA cited a pilot study conducted with Humboldt Community School District in Iowa, which found that switching from conventional diesel to B11 resulted in a 3.4% increase in fuel economy, an 11.2% decrease in fuel burned for DPF regeneration, and consistent performance. IRFA believes that by providing financial incentives, school districts will be more willing to try higher biodiesel blends and see the benefits for themselves.
- The EPA recently requested information on fuel options for the Clean School Bus Program.
- IRFA submitted its comments in response to the EPA's request.
The players
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA)
A trade association that represents the state's biodiesel and ethanol producers and supporters.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The federal agency responsible for administering the Clean School Bus Program.
Humboldt Community School District
An Iowa school district that participated in a pilot study with IRFA to evaluate the benefits of switching its bus fleet from conventional diesel to a biodiesel blend.
What’s next
The EPA is expected to make a decision on the fuel options to be included in the revamped Clean School Bus Program in the coming months.
The takeaway
IRFA's advocacy for biodiesel in the Clean School Bus Program could help increase the adoption of cleaner-burning and more environmentally friendly fuel options in school bus fleets across the country, leading to reduced emissions and cost savings for school districts.
