We are happy to inform you that the specification for fuel oils, ASTM D396, has been revised to include grades for fuel blends containing 21% to 50% biodiesel.

ASTM D396-26a will enable our industry to more strongly respond to inaccurate competitive claims for years to come, by promoting standardized equipment compatibility, lower particulate and sulfur emissions, and reduced maintenance. The revision passed with no objections, underscoring broad industry support and confidence in higher biodiesel blends.

The new ASTM D396-26a standard reflects the technical infrastructure NEFI and its partners have championed for years, through our ongoing commitment to environmental security, energy choice, and reduced emissions as delineated in both the Providence Resolution of 2019 and the Boston Resolution of 2025.

"The updated ASTM specification is nothing short of a milestone that gives retail dealers the technical standard they need to deliver higher blends of cleaner-burning renewable fuel with confidence," said Jim Collura, NEFI President and CEO. "We are grateful to Clean Fuels Alliance America, NORA, and the Oilheat equipment manufacturers whose leadership, research, and technical expertise helped make this possible. NEFI is proud to have supported their extraordinary efforts, and our members are ready to put this standard to work in the marketplace for the benefit of consumers, the environment, and our industry's long-term competitiveness."

After years of policies that appeared to have been developed solely to penalize the liquid fuels industry, the new ASTM specification is part of a broad momentum acknowledging the benefits of the biofuels industry. In the past few months, we have celebrated the historic increase in RFS volumes for biomass-based biodiesel and renewable diesel; the pending final rule implementation of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, including the acceptance of heating fuels and eligible fuels for which NEFI has advocated for almost four years; the administration’s continued support for domestic biofuels production in general; and the improving outlook for retail heating fuel dealers who are deploying biofuels, particularly in light of volatility and uncertainty with respect to global petroleum markets due to the Middle East conflict.

NEFI continues to advocate for energy choice and the inclusion of even higher blends of biofuels in clean energy policies. If you have any questions regarding this policy or NEFI’s advocacy efforts, please contact Liam Dotson, Manager of Government Affairs, at Liam.Dotson@nefi.com.