ISU inventors have developed a catalyst which allows the direct conversion of levulinic acid to olefins and aromatics in aqueous solution in one step without an external hydrogen gas supply. This invention can greatly reduce the operating costs and improve the yield of hydrocarbon products. This process can be coupled with the production of levulinic acid from the hydrolysis of cellulosic feedstocks, such as crop wastes, municipal cellulosic wastes, and pulp waste sludge. This invention provides a cost-effective process to make renewable transportation hydrocarbon fuels from Iignocellulosic feedstocks with competitive costs compared with current petroleum-based fuels.