Chevron Plans 70 Iowa Renewable Energy Layoffs June 18

Chevron USA Inc. plans to lay off 70 employees at its Renewable Energy Group headquarters in Ames, Iowa, effective June 18, 2025. The layoffs are part of Chevron's efforts to simplify its operating model, improve efficiency, and position the company for long-term competitiveness amid challenging market conditions in the biodiesel industry. Chevron acquired Renewable Energy Group, a major biodiesel producer, for $3.15 billion in 2022, with ambitions to significantly increase renewable fuel production by 2030. The company acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and emphasized support for affected employees through severance benefits and outplacement services. The layoffs follow closures of some biodiesel plants due to weak volumes and regulatory uncertainties impacting the renewable fuel market. Chevron employs about 300 people in Ames and aims to adapt its operations to current industry challenges while maintaining a focus on renewable fuels.