BioFuels Journal

Diesel Technology Forum Welcomes New ASTM Biodiesel Standards

Washington—The Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement October 14 on the occasion of the publication of recently approved national biodiesel blend standards by the American Society for Testing and Materials:

The Diesel Technology Forum, a non-profit organization representing the diesel industry, welcomes the American Society for Testing and Materials’ publication of new specifications for biodiesel and biodiesel blends.

“Renewable fuels like biodiesel will play a key role in our effort to become more energy independent and address climate change,” said Dawn Fenton, the forum’s director of policy.

“These new national standards come at a critical time, and will be essential to greater use of biodiesel in the years ahead.”

As the nation uses more biofuels, biofuel producers, retailers, refiners, consumers and vehicle manufacturers need to see that these new standards are widely implemented.

This is particularly crucial for light-duty vehicles, where a new generation of diesel cars certified clean in all 50 states are arriving in showrooms.

Consumers must be confident that the fuel in their vehicles meets uniform quality standards.

The new generation of clean diesel technology engines use sophisticated emissions-control systems which require high-quality fuel.

Diesel car and truck owners seeking to use biodiesel fuel blends should continue to follow manufacturer’s recommendations regarding acceptable blend levels.

The October 14 announcement includes an update of the existing B100 biodiesel standard (ASTM D6751) and the petroleum diesel standard (ASTM D975) allowing for the inclusion of up to 5-percent biodiesel (B5) in the regular diesel fuel pool.

It also includes a new standard, ASTM D7467, for blends using between 6 percent biodiesel (B6) and 20 percent biodiesel (B20).

Many interested groups, including diesel vehicle and engine manufacturers, have worked closely with the American Society for Testing and Materials in the development of these standards.

The transition to ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in 2006 was successful because refiners, distributors and retailers focused on fuel quality and sulfur levels nationwide.

We must demand the same level of attention to the growing number of biodiesel blends, with consequences for the failure to meet these standards if this transition to greater biodiesel usage is also to be judged as successful.

For more information, call 202-261-2866.