The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) applauds the approval of the latest revision to the ASTM International D396 standard* which now includes new grades for biodiesel blends ranging from 21% to 50% biodiesel by volume (B21–B50). The updated specification, ASTM D396-26a, represents a significant advancement for the liquid heating fuels industry and reinforces the growing role of renewable fuels in residential and commercial heating applications.
The ASTMD 396 standard* defines the properties of our heating fuels and is of critical importance in burner design and approvals as well as fuel markets. NORA’s T. Butcher is the current Chair of the ASTM Committee that has oversight on D396, having recently taken over for Ted Olszewski of R.W. Beckett.
For NORA, the approval marks a major milestone in its ongoing mission to support research, technical validation and real-world deployment of cleaner liquid heating solutions. The updated specification provides clear guidance on fuel properties, handling and performance ensuring that higher biodiesel blends can meet or exceed the standards of fuels currently in use.
“The recent approval of the ASTM standard to include blends of B50 biodiesel in liquid heating oil is another step forward in providing American consumers with a high-quality, domestically produced, renewable energy source,” said Michael Devine, President of NORA. “This new standard represents meaningful progress, particularly at a time when increased domestic energy production is essential. On behalf of NORA, we thank the many stakeholders who worked tirelessly to bring these new fuel blends to market.”
NORA played a central role in supporting the research, field validation, and technical data required to advance higher biodiesel blends through ASTM’s rigorous consensus process. The standard passed with no objections, reflecting broad industry confidence in the performance, reliability, and emissions benefits of blends up to B50.
The revision builds on years of collaboration between NORA, Clean Fuels Alliance America, and leading equipment manufacturers including R.W. Beckett Corporation and Carlin Combustion Technology, along with other industry stakeholders. These efforts have helped ensure that higher biodiesel blends are compatible with modern heating equipment and capable of delivering consistent, reliable performance.
Beyond carbon reduction, higher biodiesel blends offer additional benefits, including improved air quality, lower particulate and sulfur emissions, and potential reductions in maintenance requirements for heating equipment. Continued advancements in burner technology, fuel quality, and cold weather operability have further strengthened the case for broader adoption across key markets.
“NORA’s research and technical leadership have been instrumental in demonstrating that higher biodiesel blends can perform reliably in real-world heating applications,” Devine added.
The approval of ASTM D396-26a underscores NORA’s commitment to advancing innovation, supporting technicians and fuel marketers, and delivering practical, lower-carbon solutions that work within today’s heating infrastructure.
*ASTM D396 sets the specifications for liquid heating fuels, making it a foundational standard for both burner design and fuel market requirements. Dr. Thomas Butcher of NORA currently chairs the ASTM committee responsible for overseeing D396, a role he recently assumed from Ted Olszewski of R.W. Beckett Corp.
