Today is National Biodiesel Day. It is also the birthday of Rudolph Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine. Coincedence? No… early versions of Diesel’s engine in the late 1800’s ran on peanut oil, and in 1912, he said “the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today, but such oils may become, in the course of …
Soybean Board Calls for More Use of Soy Biodiesel
The United Soybean Board released a statement today encouraging farmers to use more soy-based biodiesel in their farm equipment. In a press release, USB points out that biodiesel does a great job of lubricating engines, as well of offering an alternative to petroleum. And the board points out that soybean chyeckoff money has been helping fund biodiesel efforts for years: …
NBB, Advocates Cite Biodiesel as Global Warming Solution
The National Biodiesel Board released a fact sheet today that shows how biodiesel is part of the solution to global warming. The NBB has received the support of some heavy hitters such as U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who says biofuels like biodiesel are part of the answer as Congress takes on climate change policy. U.S. Department of …
Aventine Branches into Biodiesel
Ethanol producer, marketer and distributor Aventine Renewable Energy has entered the biodiesel business. According to a company release, Aventine is setting up a marketing program for biodiesel similar to how it currently markets ethanol. Aventine president Ron Miller, who is also chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association, says “As the country continues to embrace other sources of renewable fuels in …
Biodiesel Races Into History
History will be made Friday at the Sebring International Raceway in California when the world’s first biodiesel car will join the race. Jim Osborn will be behind the wheel of the number 24, spiced-red Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The car is racing in the SPEED World Challenge SCCA SPEED Touring Car series: The SPEED World Challenge is a production-based car series, …
Iowa Forms State Biodiesel Board, Moves Key Legislation
The Iowa Soybean Association has formed a board to coordinate biodiesel activities in the state, along with activities with the National Biodiesel Board. Wallaces Farmer reports that the ISA hired Randy Olson to serve as the new Iowa Biodiesel Board’s executive director, as well as a senior marketing manger for the association: “I’m very excited to join ISA and support …
Nova Biosource Fuels Inks Deal with Scott Petroleum
Biodiesel maker Nova Biosource Fuels has agreed to purchase 50% of the biodiesel produced from a Greenville, Mississippi plant that is a joint ventire between Nova and Scott Petroleum. In a company press release, Nova says the plant will be capable of producing 20 million gallons of biodiesel a year when it is finished this summer: “We selected Nova’s technology …
Lincoln, Coleman Look to Extend Biodiesel Tax Incentive
In a bi-partisan move, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Democrat from Arkansas, and Norm Coleman, Republican from Minnesota, have introduced legislation today to extend the federal biodiesel tax credit. The legislation would extend the federal excise tax credit and income tax credit for biodiesel to 2017. Lincoln originally introduced the credit and got it passed in 2004. In a press release, the …
Biodiesel on a Small Scale, Too
So many times, we talk about large biodiesel refineries coming online that will supply entire regions with the renewable fuel. But this little item in a local on-line paper caught my eye. The University of Wisconsin Extension Service is sponsoring at least two workshops… one at the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton on March 27th and one in Dunn …
Illinois Eyes Cities’ Requirement on Hybrid, Alt-Fuel-Using Vehicles
An Illinois state lawmaker wants to see cities in his state use vehicles that run on more alternative fuels. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Rep. Mike Boland has introduced legislation that would require cities to buy vehicles that run on more ethanol and biodiesel: “We have an opportunity to really bring about an economic renaissance to rural Illinois by the …