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Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110

§17021 Biomass-based Diesel and Biodiesel Labeling

Title 42 › CHAPTER 152 — ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY › SUBCHAPTER II — ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH INCREASED PRODUCTION OF BIOFUELS › Part A — Renewable Fuel Standard › § 17021

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Retail diesel pumps must show the percent of biomass-based diesel or biodiesel in the fuel, as set by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC had to make labeling rules within 180 days after December 19, 2007. If a diesel blend has 5% or less biodiesel and meets ASTM D975, no extra label is needed. If it has more than 5% up to 20%, the pump must say it contains between 5% and 20% biodiesel. If it has over 20%, the pump must say it contains more than 20% biodiesel. ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials. Biomass-based diesel: the same as biodiesel under the law. Biodiesel: fuel made from plant or animal fats (monoalkyl esters) that meets fuel registration rules and ASTM D6751. Blends: biodiesel mixed with petroleum diesel.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §17021

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In general
Each retail diesel fuel pump shall be labeled in a manner that informs consumers of the percent of biomass-based diesel or biodiesel that is contained in the biomass-based diesel blend or biodiesel blend that is offered for sale, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission.
(b)Labeling requirements
Not later than 180 days after December 19, 2007, the Federal Trade Commission shall promulgate biodiesel labeling requirements as follows:
(1)Biomass-based diesel blends or biodiesel blends that contain less than or equal to 5 percent biomass-based diesel or biodiesel by volume and that meet ASTM D975 diesel specifications shall not require any additional labels.
(2)Biomass-based diesel blends or biodiesel blends that contain more than 5 percent biomass-based diesel or biodiesel by volume but not more than 20 percent by volume shall be labeled “contains biomass-based diesel or biodiesel in quantities between 5 percent and 20 percent”.
(3)Biomass-based diesel or biodiesel blends that contain more than 20 percent biomass based or biodiesel by volume shall be labeled “contains more than 20 percent biomass-based diesel or biodiesel”.
(c)Definitions
In this section: (1) ASTM
(2)Biomass-based diesel
The term “biomass-based diesel” means biodiesel as defined in section 13220(f) of this title.
(3)Biodiesel
The term “biodiesel” means the monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from plant or animal matter that meet—
(A)the registration requirements for fuels and fuel additives under this section; and
(B)the requirements of ASTM standard D6751.
(4)Biomass-based diesel and biodiesel blends
The terms “biomass-based diesel blend” and “biodiesel blend” means a blend of “biomass-based diesel” or “biodiesel” fuel that is blended with petroleum-based diesel fuel.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 17021

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110