The National Biodiesel Board released the following statement from Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel Thursday after White House adviser John Podesta briefed a group of Senate Democrats on the pending proposal for biodiesel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS):
“While we are encouraged by these discussions, the biodiesel industry remains concerned that the Administration still appears to be considering a proposal that would backtrack from last year’s proven production and that threatens biodiesel plants around the country. The fact is that biodiesel is the most successful Advanced Biofuel under the RFS, yet it could see its production cut significantly. This meeting, which was originally requested by a diverse group of 14 Democratic senators from across the country, makes clear that there are serious concerns about the impact that the proposal would have on jobs and economic growth nationwide, in states from Rhode Island to Minnesota to Washington state. This is a critical decision, not just for the biodiesel industry but for the future development of clean, American-made renewable fuels that will help us reduce our dangerous dependence on petroleum. We want to thank all the senators who organized this meeting, and particularly Sen. Franken and Sen. Heitkamp for their leadership.”
Last year’s record U.S. market of nearly 1.8 billion gallons was produced using a wide variety of feedstocks including recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats. The EPA has proposed a 2014 biodiesel standard of 1.28 billion gallons, a significant cut from last year’s actual production that threatens the survival of many plants nationwide.
