In what’s being characterized as an “historic national program” that would dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for new cars and trucks sold in the United States… vehicles that can run on B20, a 20 percent blend of biodiesel… will be considered flexible fuel vehicles.
Biodiesel Magazine reports the 1,200 page proposal issued by the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would mostly apply to the flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) credits for auto makers and treat B20-capable vehicles the same as ethanol/gas FFVs, starting in 2012 through 2016:
“If manufacturers’ warranties cover B20, then I think many people will be comfortable with using it,” says Robert Dascal of New Energy Fuels in Waller, Texas. “We’re already seeing certain demand for B20 start to increase. With B20, you get the best of both worlds—the petrol base combined with added lubricity and lower emissions.”
Emissions caps and fuel economy standards outlined by EPA include a limit of 250 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per mile, equivalent to 35.5 miles per gallon, if the automobile industry were to meet this CO2 level solely through fuel economy improvements.
EPA is proposing for model year 2016 and later that manufacturers would not receive FFV credits unless they can calculate how much alternative fuel is actually being bought by the end user. A B20-approved vehicle might use much less biodiesel, or none at all, once it hits the market, which would defeat the purpose of a program meant to promote the use of biofuels.
Experts believe this EPA and NHTSA endorsement of B20 will be big for the biodiesel industry.
A couple of years ago, I told you about how the Utah Department of Transportation was planting safflower, camelina, canola and perennial flax in a safety strip along Interstate 15 and then crushing the seeds to make biodiesel (see 
General Wesley Clark, Co-Chairman of 
General Clark rose to the rank of four-star general after nearly 40 years of service in the U.S. Army. He has lead Growth Energy since February 2009, working to increase American energy independence by expanding the use of environmentally-friendly ethanol. 
“This is our first new plant relationship since our acquisition of C&N and is a real demonstration of the confidence placed in Mansfield and C&N as a thriving, independent marketing partner,” said Douglas Haugh, EVP of Mansfield Oil. “Our strengths are logistics, marketing, and the supply chain automation technology that refiners are increasingly requiring of their ethanol suppliers. Working transparently with great producers like Heron Lake, we can improve netbacks for plants. Meanwhile, we reduce costs for customers by slimming transportation and administrative costs across the supply chain.” 
The partnership will allow the Heron Lake facility to manage and forecast their costs and margins as well as giving them access to C&N’s nationwide market that consists of refiners and blenders.
Receiving a lot of attention is the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car. This futuristic vehicle is a diesel hybrid plug-in, but costs a fortune to make. The powertrain provides acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.8 seconds, and its average fuel consumption is near 62.6 miles per gallon, BMW reported. “This is a very far look into the future,” [Dirk Arnold, BMW product communications manager] said. “Maybe this would be possible for production with some completely new diesel engine or other new technology, but for the next five years the advantage of combining diesel and electric systems is relatively low compared to the tremendous cost.”
Researchers at University of Georgia will be turning forest and agricultural waste into biodiesel.
“America’s energy future rests squarely in its high school classrooms today,” said Mike Jerke, chairman of the RFF and General Manager of Quad County Corn Processors in Galva, Iowa. “It is these future scientists, engineers and dreamers that will supply both the manpower as well as the brain power necessary to break our addiction to fossil fuels. We are proud to be partnering with the National FFA to make these students aware of the vast opportunities offered by a robust renewable fuels industry.”
The 
A man called “one of the most effective renewable energy advocates in Texas” is being honored with an award that has a focus this year on the environment.
Last week, I told you how petroleum company Valero Energy Corp. could be looking at getting into the biodiesel business (see 