New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency goals call for an all-time high volume of biofuels to be blended into gasoline and diesel, the agency said in a Friday news release following President Donald Trump’s announcement at the White House.

The EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027 will set the volume of biofuels at the highest level in the program’s 20 years, the agency said in a statement released shortly after Trump touted the move in a speech to farmers gathered at the White House South Lawn.

The president framed the new standards as a move away from regulations based on radical environmentalism.

“What they’ve done to you — and the country, what they’ve done to the country — is just incredible,” he told the farmers. “The environmentalists, I mean, they are terrorists. They were terrorists.”

Trump added that the standards will generate over $10 billion of rural economic benefit in rural areas and create an estimated 100,000 jobs. Biofuels are primarily produced from corn and soybean crops, with corn-derived ethanol by far the most common biofuel in the country.

Trump and top administration officials said the new standards would help provide more domestic energy sources. The standards would reduce the demand for foreign oil by approximately 300,000 barrels per day, the EPA release said.

“For 20 years, this program has diversified our nation’s energy supply and advanced American energy independence,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in the release. “EPA is proud to deliver on this mission and to do so at historic levels.”

The standards will require a roughly 60% increase in biofuel and renewable diesel production over 2025 levels, the EPA estimated. That production would translate directly to a major economic boost for farmers, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

“With President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, these historically high volumes are expected to create a $3 to $4 billion dollar increase in net farm income,” she said in the EPA release. 

While biofuels groups commended the new standards, the Fueling American Jobs Coalition, an advocacy group that represents independent oil refiners, said the goals were “too aggressive” and did not reflect what could realistically be blended into transportation fuels.

“Unfortunately, with today’s announcement, it’s clear that our efforts to advocate for achievable volumes were ignored, and this will now likely result in even higher prices at the pump for consumers,” the group said.

In today’s rapidly changing fleet management environment, navigating the costs and benefits of fuel types can be increasingly challenging. Evolving regulatory demands and emission standards are creating greater complexity and volatility.

That’s why Thomas is working collaboratively with districts to help them manage their unique transportation challenges by providing an array of fueling options. The launch of the Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline expands Thomas Built Buses’ powertrain lineup to include diesel, electric and gasoline, giving districts the flexibility to choose the solution that best fits their operational needs.

The Power of Options

For school transportation directors already managing the demands of daily operations, having the right fuel solution is essential. Thomas gives school districts greater flexibility by providing options designed to fit the fueling needs of school districts of every size and stage while supporting their existing infrastructure, budget parameters and regulatory requirements. Adding to its industry-leading diesel and electric powertrain options, Thomas’ new gasoline engine option for the Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus rounds out its full range of fuel options.

Announced at STN Expo East in Concord, N.C., the Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline from Thomas Built Buses features the B6.7 Octane engine produced by global power leader Cummins Inc. Its introduction supports Thomas’ commitment to empowering fleet managers with real choices designed to ensure their long-term success. This new gasoline engine option provides diesel-like durability and performance while expanding Thomas’ powertrain lineup, so it now encompasses electric, diesel and gasoline solutions. While the new gasoline option expands fuel flexibility, it also delivers operational advantages for districts seeking lower maintenance complexity.

Gasoline-powered Innovations

Designed in partnership with customers to address current school transportation needs, the gasoline-powered Saf-T-Liner C2 bus delivers key advantages in total cost and serviceability, such as better fuel economy than competitive gasoline engines and the ability to run on regular 87-octane gasoline—making it easy to refuel within existing gasoline infrastructure. The gasoline-powered C2 also delivers 2 to 3 times longer service intervals, including oil and filter changes up to 15,000 miles.

A purpose-built, durable, turbocharged gasoline engine for medium-duty applications, the Cummins B6.7 Octane is the first of its kind in the category. With up to 2 million miles logged before production, the engine features a flat torque curve that mirrors Cummins’ trusted B6.7 diesel platform. The B6.7 Octane by Cummins will be available in the Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline in 220- and 260-horsepower ratings, delivering up to 600 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to robust performance, it’s designed to offer familiar drivability and smooth power at low speeds. Another feature of the gasoline-powered Saf-T-Liner C2 bus is an optional compression brake for improved vehicle control and reduced brake wear.

Built on the proven Saf-T-Liner C2 platform, the gasoline-powered model also supports technician and driver familiarity—streamlining training, simplifying maintenance routines and reducing the learning curve that can accompany new vehicle introductions. For districts with mixed fleets or those transitioning between fuel types, this consistency is a genuine operational advantage. This new gasoline-powered Cummins engine offers Thomas customers the reliable power and performance they have come to expect from its diesel counterpart, while providing an alternative that meets evolving emissions standards.

Partnering for Success

There is no single fuel solution for every district—only the right fit for each organization. By adding gasoline to its portfolio of diesel and electric options, Thomas gives fleet managers the flexibility to select the powertrain that aligns with their infrastructure, budgets and regulatory requirements. Each option is backed by the company’s time-proven reliability, durability and responsiveness to fleet operations. With its full range of powertrains, Thomas makes it easier to choose the best fueling option without compromising on safety, performance or peace of mind.

To learn more about the Saf-T-Liner C2 gasoline, visit the Thomas Built Buses website.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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