Biodiesel Education Bill

From the NBB. 

July 16, 2007

NBB Applauds Bill to Expand Biodiesel Education Program
Senate bill would double funding over current levels

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) praised bipartisan legislation introduced today by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) to continue and expand the national Biodiesel Education Program. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), was enacted in 2003 as part of the Farm Bill. The “Biodiesel Education and Expansion Act of 2007” would extend the program for another five years and double the resources allocated for biodiesel education efforts.

Since its inception, the Biodiesel Education Program has played a critical role in promoting the U.S. biodiesel industry and improving consumer awareness and support of the fuel. The USDA has provided $1 million per year to carry out biodiesel education nationwide.

The senators’ proposal would double funding for the program from the previous Farm Bill to $2 million a year.

“When it comes to renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel, it’s one thing for the government to give incentives to produce the fuel, but it’s another thing altogether to make sure the public knows what the fuel is, what it’s made from, and that it works in their car,” said Senator Klobuchar. “That’s why I support these crucial education programs.”

Senator Crapo said, “In the face of rising gasoline prices and increasing calls for energy independence, people are looking for alternatives to conventional petroleum. When I visited the University of Idaho, one of the world’s leaders in biodiesel research, to receive a briefing on the outstanding work that the staff there is doing, it was indisputable that this technology is something that our country needs. The value of the Biodiesel Education Grant Program is that it helps people understand--from seed to gas tank--the benefits of biodiesel, including production practices, standards and fuel quality, and basic economics, so that they can make educated decisions about their fuel purchases.”

Public opinion research shows that since the program began, awareness of biodiesel has grown from 27 percent to 45 percent. Efforts previously supported by the Biodiesel Education Program include:

• Petroleum Industry Education. Today 1,800 petroleum distributors carry the product. More than 1,000 retailers now make biodiesel available, almost five times the number of pumps when the program began, and 37 terminals carry biodiesel.
• Trucking Industry Education. The program supported NBB in the creation of BioTrucker.com and the Biodiesel Hotline to help the trucking industry find biodiesel and address industry questions. Demonstration projects are underway with key truck organizations such as the American Trucking Associations, and NBB has worked with major corporations on incorporating biodiesel into their fleets.
• Engine Community Education. The program has successfully helped NBB work with auto and engine manufacturers for positive warranty statements with the use of biodiesel. Although the use of up to 20 percent biodiesel (B20) won’t necessarily void an engine warranty, Cummins, New Holland, Case IH, JCB, Arctic Cat and AGCO Corporation have all announced support of B20 or higher in most of their equipment. DaimlerChrysler and General Motors also announced B20 support in specific vehicles.
• Fuel Quality Outreach. The program has supported NBB’s fuel quality program, which includes working with all state and federal agencies on biodiesel fuel quality enforcement, and a fuel quality guide for consumers on biodiesel.org.

“Biodiesel is in position to make a significant contribution to our nation’s energy security, but education remains one of our last great hurdles,” said Joe Jobe, NBB CEO. “While we’ve made substantial progress, we have much more work to do before biodiesel becomes a household word. We commend Senators Klobuchar and Crapo for recognizing the significance of this in ensuring a versatile, domestically supplied energy market.”

The biodiesel industry produced 250 million gallons in 2006, and is on track to produce 300 – 350 million gallons in 2007. There are 148 plants operating nationwide.

The NBB is the national trade association of the biodiesel industry and is the coordinating body for biodiesel research and development in the U.S. NBB’s membership is comprised of state, national, and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations, biodiesel suppliers, fuel marketers and distributors, and technology providers.