As North America strides toward greater energy independence and sustainability, California’s success with renewable natural gas (RNG) presents a clear and successful roadmap for other jurisdictions to emulate. Driven by climate-smart policies such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and supported by federal programs like the Renewable Fuel Standard, RNG’s recent growth illustrates that great things happen when policymakers support technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions today.&nbsp;Our journey at RNG Coalition began over a decade ago, inspired by the early legislative efforts in California. In 2012, California enacted AB 1900, a landmark bill promulgated by RNG Coalition that allowed integration of RNG into state natural gas pipelines. This was a transformational moment for RNG in California, setting the stage for integration into the state’s renewable portfolio standard and LCFS transportation programs.&nbsp;Nationwide, California’s policies have been complemented by the RFS, which has been pivotal in legitimizing and expanding the use of RNG across the nation. By mandating increased use of renewable fuels like RNG, the RFS has helped reduce reliance on fossil fuels while promoting clean fuels as a sustainable alternative.&nbsp;State and federal endorsement from programs like these have improved the visibility and economic potential of RNG projects, helping explain rising RNG consumption in California and nationwide. In 2023, RNG accounted for 97% of all on-road fuel used in natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in California, and 79% of all fuel used in NGVs nationwide. These numbers both represent record highs and speak to growing demand.The Road Forward Despite these strides, we still have important work to do to improve public understanding of RNG’s environmental credentials among certain audiences. A recent survey conducted by the RNG Coalition at the Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Philadelphia yielded surprising results: Roughly 70% of climate journalists formally surveyed at the event declared no knowledge or little knowledge of RNG. Despite the industry’s rousing success since the RNG Coalition was founded in 2011, these results outline the work yet to be done in educating the public on the merits of our sustainable, flexible replacement for fossil gas.&nbsp;Success in California will be central to that educational effort. Strides taken in the Golden State will continue to serve as a case study on how RNG can successfully offer a “dual emissions reduction benefit,” meaning the capture of methane emissions at waste sites, plus the displacement of fossil fuels in our energy system.Fortunately, our California case study continues to bear fruit. Aside from our success in maximizing opportunities in transportation markets supported by the state’s LCFS, RNG has started to penetrate new markets. State utilities, prompted by the SB 1440 legislation originally supported by the RNG Coalition in California, have begun to deepen their commitment to RNG. RNG Coalition member SoCalGas earlier this summer became the first California utility to publish detailed plans to purchase RNG under SB 1440 legislation, in a May 31 request to state regulators. This marks an encouraging step.&nbsp;Will other states follow California’s lead? Earlier this year, New Mexico became the fourth state in the U.S. to pass a clean fuel standard like California’s LCFS, making the Enchanted State the first U.S. jurisdiction beyond the West Coast to implement such a program. On the utility front, in recent years, Colorado and Vermont have enacted Clean Heat Standards that will foster further RNG capture, with RNG Coalition closely involved with the latter rulemaking process as a member of Vermont’s CHS technical advisory committee.&nbsp;The story of RNG in California is more than a success; it’s a clarion call for action across the United States. As California pioneers new RNG markets, its progress offers a compelling template for clean energy policy. With growing interest and legislative momentum nationwide, now is the time for other states to take notes on California’s success as we pursue a sustainable and thriving energy future for present and future generations. Author: Sam Wade Director of Public Policy, RNG Coalition www.rngcoalition.com&nbsp;

2024-07-02 - Beyond the Golden State: Expanding California’s RNG Progress Across North America (Biomass Magazine)

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The story of RNG in California is more than a success; it’s a clarion call for action across the United States. 

Beyond the Golden State: Expanding California’s RNG Progress Across North America

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2026 International Biomass Conference & Expo

Carbon Capture & Storage Summit

International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

Sustainable Fuels Summit: SAF, Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel

Beyond the Golden State: Expanding California’s RNG Progress Across North America