The California Department of General Services is now requiring state agencies to buy renewable diesel when making bulk fuel purchases for diesel-powered vehicles and equipment, the agency has announced.

"By using green or renewable diesel fuels, the state can further reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions connected to government operations," said Daniel Kim, the agency's director. "This directive to state agencies will help us meet the governor’s goals for combating climate change."

The state defines renewable diesel as diesel fuel produced from nonpetroleum renewable resources. It's intended for use in engines that are designed to run on conventional diesel fuel.

The agency estimates an annual reduction of 49,000 tons of carbon intensity by replacing approximately 7.3 million gallons of conventional diesel with renewable diesel in state operations.

Earlier this year, Gov. Jerry Brown directed state agencies to take measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 gas reductions targets of 40% and 80% below 1990 levels. Today’s announcement is one of several actions taken by Governor Brown to confront the climate challenge.

Read the directive on renewable diesel bulk fuel purchases here.

Earlier this year, the cities of San Francisco, Walnut Creek, and Oakland have annouced their move to renewable diesel.