Next Steps on Renewable Fuel Standard Implementation (PCC 16.60)

On October 8, 2025, the seven-member Renewable Fuel Standard Advisory Committee (RFS TAC) provided recommendations to inform the 2026 implementation of Portland's Renewable Fuel Standard.

After evaluating input from community and the RFS TAC, BPS Director Eric Engstrom sent a recommendation to City administrators on October 14 that BPS implement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) code as written. He accepted the RFS Technical Advisory Committee's recommendation to align the City's carbon intensity values with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) revised OR-GREET model. BPS expects DEQ to certify new carbon intensity values this winter.

The Director also recommended that BPS continue to convene the RFS TAC quarterly or as needed to monitor market conditions such as price and supply of renewable fuels. Should market conditions arise that pose serious harm to the public interest, such as diesel price spikes, City administration could use emergency rule authority to suspend compliance with program requirements.

Director Engstrom provided his written recommendation to City administrators on October 14, 2025. BPS briefed Mayor Wilson and Deputy City Administrator Donnie Oliveira on October 15, 2025. City leadership accepted BPS's recommendations.

Next steps for BPS:

• Update RFS administrative rules in winter 2025/26
• Report to City Council by February 15, 2026, as directed by ordinance
• Determine how to incorporate the OR-GREET model changes into program implementation.