BioFuels Journal

by Jerry Perkins, BioFuels Journal editor

Orlando, FL—The National Biodiesel Board’s 2012 conference concluded here Wednesday after three days of celebrating an industry comeback marked by an all-time production record of a billion gallons set in 2011.

That’s almost three times as much biodiesel as was produced in 2010 when the industry was hamstrung by the expiration of its production tax credit.

NBB CEO Joe Jobe said in his introductory remarks at the conference kickoff on Monday that the reinstatement of the tax credit in 2011 and the imposition of minimum fuel production volumes set by Renewable Fuels Standard led biodiesel to “one of the most dramatic comebacks in history…2011 should be remembered as the year biodiesel became a big part of our nation’s energy supply.”

However, Jobe warned, the job gains and economic stimulus provided by biodiesel’s resurgence might not last because Congress didn’t renew the biodiesel tax credit for 2012.

In addition, he said, the industry is waiting for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Obama Administration to finalize the EPA’s proposal to boost biodiesel’s production requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“It appears our representatives in Washington have not learned from the lessons of the past,” Jobe said.

“Jobs and the economy are supposed to be the top priorities in Washington, but they’ve left thousands of workers in limbo even though recent experience has shown what can happen to our very young industry without a little help as we grow to stand on our own.”

Also at this year’s 9th annual conference, leaders of the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, the Petroleum Marketers Association of America, and the National Oilheat Research Alliance discussed the oil and gas industry’s perception of biodiesel as a mainstream product and the future market for biodiesel-based Bioheat® heating oil.

On Wednesday, the first day-long Sustainability Symposium, co-sponsored by the United States Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE), was held with presentations on how biodiesel can diversify the country’s energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other impacts to the environment, and protect America’s food chain.

A special Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase on Tuesday showed off a variety of vehicles that can burn biodiesel, including a motorcycle built by Paul Teutul, Sr. of the Orange County Choppers who showed off his new Biodiesel Bobber motorcycle sponsored by CIMA Green, a New Jersey-based renewable energy firm specializing in biodiesel.

Eye on Biodiesel Awards also were presented at the conference.

Winners were:

Impact: Isuzu Commercial Trucks of America and Hino Trucks, which introduced truck models that can run on a 20% blend of biodiesel (B20).

Industry Partnership: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Paul Argyropoulos of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, for leadership in creating a workable renewable fuels program.

Initiative: Brent Hajek, Hajek Motorsports, who used B20 to set a land-speed record in a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck that hit 182 miles an hour at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah last summer.

Innovation: Keith Kline and Virginia Dale, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, who showed the environmental benefits of biodiesel.

Their published works on land use change and the environmental impacts of feedstock production provided perspective on the environmental impact of biofuels, the NBB said in making the award.

Influence: The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which has used B20 in all their vehicles since 2000.

Their biodiesel fueling network includes 12 onsite fueling locations and a network of off-site retail service stations.

Pioneer Award: Krysta Harden, chief of staff for United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who was an early proponent of biodiesel in Washington, DC, said NBB CEO Joe Jobe.

The 9th Annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo was attended by 1,124 people and 79 exhibitors.

Next year’s National Biodiesel Conference & Expo will be held Feb. 4-7 at the Mirage Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV.

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