Biodiesel got a boost when diesel engine making giant Cummins approved 20% biodiesel for many of its engines.
In a news release, Cummins says it moved up from its previous recommendation of 5% biodiesel (B5) three main reasons:
First, the American Society of Testing Materials specification ASTM D6751 now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel. Second, the availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is growing rapidly; and third, Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using B20 fuel.
“We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our engine,” said Edward Lyford-Pike, Chief Engineer – Advanced Alternative Fuel Programs. “This will enable our customers to have a choice that includes renewable fuel.”
In another release, the National Biodiesel Board applauded the decision:
“Cummins’ announcement is a major milestone for diesel equipment-maker acceptance of biodiesel,” said Steve Howell, National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Technical Director. “Cummins is among the leaders in the on-highway truck engine market. As knowledgeable consumers add ‘support for B20’ in their purchasing decisions for diesel vehicles, the smart companies are taking advantage of that and issuing B20 support as a way to capture this growing sentiment for using fuels we don’t have to import.”
Indiana-based Cummins sells products in more than 160 countries through 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer.
According to a new survey commissioned by the 
Demark-based biotech firm 
But there is a better way. The National Biodiesel Board says cleaner-burning biodiesel could help construction companies reduce their impact. It cites two companies… Manatt’s in Iowa and North Bay Construction in California… and their positive experiences with biodiesel in their heavy equipment. NBB has posted some of their testimonials 
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns spent Wednesday in the state of Indiana talking about domestic fuel. 
At that event, 
South Dakota-based 
Ethanol was the center of attention outside the US Senate building in Washington DC Wednesday as Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh of Indiana joined with members of the ethanol industry to mark the use of 100 percent fuel grade ethanol in the IndyCar Series starting in Homestead this weekend. 
EPIC Executive Director Tom Slunecka said several other lawmakers in addition to Sens. Lugar and Bayh attended the event as well, including Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota.
EPIC board member Greg Krissek, Director of Government affairs for ethanol design firm 
“The Clean Air Choice essay scholarship is open to all high school seniors in Minnesota who wish to continue their education after high school,” said contest coordinator Alison Deneen. “Two scholarships will be awarded. The first place essay writer will receive a $500 scholarship; the second place essay writer will receive a $250 scholarship.”
The president talked about his goal of reducing America’s gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next 10 years and how hybrid cars and flex-fuel vehicles can help achieve that goal.