T Bros Oil & Gas Co., the firm behind the terminal, is targeting wholesale distribution at a time when fleet operators are preparing for stricter emissions standards and higher carbon compliance costs. Though the BIG project itself is still in pre-construction, the surrounding region is already being reshaped by forward-leaning energy infrastructure.
The terminal offers access to the existing Kinder Morgan CALNEV pipeline, ensuring an immediate supply of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). But the longer-term value lies in renewable diesel: by late 2025, a scalable, low-emissions mini-refinery will be installed on-site. Unlike traditional refineries, the system is designed to operate without hazardous chemicals or environmental discharge, allowing for regional-scale clean fuel production.
What makes this depot notable is not just the product—renewable diesel that meets ASTM D975 standards—but also its compatibility. The fuel is chemically identical to conventional diesel, requiring no changes to engines, fueling systems, or logistics operations. That “drop-in” capability removes a major cost barrier for companies shifting toward lower-emission operations.
The depot’s location at the junction of I-15 and Highway 58 places it in a high-impact zone: where rising freight demand meets California’s tightening emissions regulations. This isn’t just an environmental story—it’s an economic strategy designed to make compliance easier and cleaner fuel more accessible for high-volume users.
At launch, the terminal will operate two loading racks with plans to expand to six. This positions it to serve as a high-throughput hub for logistics operators working in and around the future BIG complex. These companies will face intensifying pressure under state and federal decarbonization targets. Having a local supply of renewable diesel reduces both cost volatility and the operational hurdles of clean fuel adoption.
According to company CTO Timothy Wetzel, the facility is designed as “infrastructure for sustainable commerce”—offering operational continuity while meeting clean fuel requirements. For companies navigating California’s climate policy landscape, this kind of infrastructure could provide a compliance and cost edge.
The High Desert’s development model could serve as a preview for how regional infrastructure might support the state’s broader energy and transportation transition. Whether this approach can be replicated in other freight corridors remains to be seen, but in Barstow, the groundwork is already in motion.
