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In an effort to quell skepticism over the renewable energy industry’s chances to meet the 10.5-billion Renewable Fuels Standard in 2009, the National Biodiesel Board has reaffirmed its industry’s ability to hold up its end of the deal… and then some.

The NBB released a statement saying not only will biodiesel meet its goal, but it will make up any shortfall by its ethanol brethren:

“The U.S. biodiesel industry’s contribution to the nation’s fuel supply will help ensure that the RFS targets for 2009 will be met,” said Manning Feraci, NBB’s Vice President of Federal Affairs. “In 2008 alone, the U.S. biodiesel industry produced nearly 700 million gallons of biodiesel, which equates to 1.05 billion ethanol equivalent gallons for purposes of the RFS.”

Currently, there are 176 plants in operation with the capacity to produce more than 2.61 billion gallons of biodiesel. In 2008, the U.S. biodiesel industry supported nearly 52,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy. This added $4.287 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); displaced 38.1 million barrels of petroleum; generated $866.2 million in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments; and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 11.28 tons, the equivalent of removing 980,000 vehicles from U.S. roads.

Less than two weeks after Air New Zealand took to the air in a flight powered by jatropha-based biodiesel, American carrier Continental Airlines has used a combination of the the weed and algae to fuel one of its 737s.

This story from the Los Angeles Times has details:

The two-hour test flight over Houston, where the carrier’s headquarters is located, involved powering one of the two engines with a mix of 50% kerosene and a blend of fuel derived from algae and jatropha, a weed that bears oil-producing seeds. No passengers were on board.

The demonstration flight was the first by a U.S. carrier. It was the latest among a handful of airlines that are testing a new generation of so-called sustainable biofuels that could help airlines cut fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Later on this month, Japan Airlines is scheduled to join the biodiesel-friendly skies using Montana-grown camelina biodiesel.

The National Biodiesel Board is welcoming a new face to its great communications team.

This NBB press release announces the addition of Jessica Robinson, a veteran communicator, as the group’s Senior Communications Specialist:

Robinson has been involved in the communications industry for more than a decade, most recently serving as Press Secretary for Missouri Governor Matt Blunt when the state adopted a ten percent ethanol standard, and for the first time began fully funding biodiesel incentives. Robinson has worked in radio and television news stations in New Mexico, Missouri and Florida. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism.

“Jessica’s experience as a communications professional and spokesperson will help build on NBB’s progress combating many of the industry inaccuracies that arose in the past year,” said Jenna Higgins Rose, NBB Director of Communications. “I’m confident that Jessica will be an outstanding addition to our communications team as the biodiesel industry continues to grow.”

Personally, I’ve known Jessica for many years… from my earliest days of when I first moved to Missouri nine years ago… just about as long as I’ve known Chuck and Cindy Zimmerman. She’s a straight shooter who’s not afraid to be a strong advocate for the cause she’s behind. Trust me folks, she’s a BIG catch for an organization that’s on the rise.

Good luck and welcome aboard, Jessica!

Ames, Iowa-based biodiesel maker Renewable Energy Group Inc. and nutritional ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries Inc. have finished a study and released the esults of a multi-feedstock biodiesel oxidation.

Biodiesel Magazine reports that for 10 weeks, the companies performed a detailed analyses of oxidative stability characteristics in pure biodiesel (both B100) made from soybeans and a combination of vegetable oil and animal fats:

The research, which was conducted to gain a better understanding of oxidative stability and degradation of multi-feedstock biodiesel in long-term storage, found that in tests simulating extreme storage conditions, oxidative stability decreased rapidly in untreated B100 as measured by oil stability index induction time, Peroxide Value (PV), 1,4-decadienal and Hexanal content.

In addition, the group determined that late “rescue” treatments did not eliminate secondary oxidation products, even when oil stability index (OSI) induction time could be increased. As well, it was found that oxidation in products measured indicated changes to B100 that may foster polymer and sediment formation in blends and support earlier use of antioxidants to preserve quality.

The research is expected to help petroleum and biodiesel storers prevent oxidative stability problems in less-than-ideal storage conditions.