New Report Shows Clean Fuels Industry’s $42.4 Billion Contribution to U.S. Economy

A new study from Clean Fuels Alliance America shows the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry generated $42.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, supported 107,400 jobs, and paid $6 billion in annual wages.

The study, “Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the U.S. Economy 2024,” was conducted for Clean Fuels Alliance America by GlobalData and uses actual 2024 data, including 5 billion gallons of domestic production. It evaluates direct, indirect and induced economic impacts and jobs across the entire value chain, from raw-material production, collection and processing to fuel production and distribution.

Nearly half of the total economic impact—$19.9 billion and 41,500 jobs—came from fuel production, according to the report. The industry also supported 30,600 jobs and generated $15.3 billion in economic activity through oilseed production, delivering major benefits to soybean-growing states. Significant employment was also reported in oilseed processing (8,600 jobs) and rendering (12,700 jobs).

“The numbers don’t lie; 2024 was a record-setting year for clean fuels, and the benefits reached deep into farm country,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels. “This study proves that demand for biodiesel and renewable diesel not only lowers carbon emissions but delivers real income and job creation, especially for soybean producers and the broader agricultural economy.”

The report further concluded that most of the “value-added activity associated with imported biodiesel takes place overseas and, therefore, on a per-gallon basis, the economic impact of domestic biodiesel production greatly exceeds that of imported biodiesel. Therefore, if U.S. consumption were to remain at the current level of 5.3 billion gallons, the potential benefit from shifting to 100% domestic production could add as much as:

• $7.9 billion in economic activity
• 15,1000 further jobs supported
• $0.8 billion in support to wages paid.”

Looking ahead, the industry’s continued growth could bring even greater returns to farmers, feedstock producers and fuel producers. The study also analyzes a near-future capacity scenario of 7.4 billion gallons, based on publicly announced investments in new or expanded facilities. At that level, the industry could support 145,700 jobs and contribute $60.25 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to GlobalData.

The full report is available at cleanfuels.org.

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