Back in 1993, biodiesel was just an idea. But thanks to the efforts of pioneers like Doug Pickering, Kenlon Johannes, and Bill Ayers, it has become the industry it is today. Doug and Bill built the first facility to produce biodiesel – two 55 gallon drums on stands with a sump pump and a garden hose. Kenlon, who was with … Read More

To tackle the topic of the next 25 years for biodiesel, NBB brought representatives from other biofuels industry organizations to talk about what is on the horizon for the industry. The panel was moderated by Gary Haer of REG and featured Growth Energy Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley; Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council; … Read More

The new Ford F-150 was in the spotlight last week at the National Biodiesel Conference as it joins the F-250/350/450 Super Duty® and F-650/750 medium duty trucks as well as the Transit van to round out Ford’s strong line-up of diesel models supporting the use of B20 biodiesel blends. Dominic DiCicco, Ford’s Manager of Environmental Policy and Fuel Quality, commented, … Read More

A new study on biodiesel’s lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission effects updates and reaffirms the long-understood benefits of using the renewable fuel. Results confirm that biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel reduces GHG emissions by 72 percent and fossil fuel use by 80 percent. The study, which was released as the National Biodiesel Conference kicked off last week, is … Read More

It was 2001 when the use of B5 biodiesel was approved in all John Deere engines, and today many are approved up to B20. John Deere was one of the first OEMs to embrace biofuels and that support continues to be strong as every vehicle is filled at the factory with a biodiesel blend in the fuel tank. Steve Geick … Read More

In a year when representation for biodiesel in Washington D.C. was more critical than ever, it was the chief operating officer of the National Biodiesel Board who stepped up to the plate to fill in as vice president of federal affairs to allow the organization to search for just the right person to take on this vital role. Doug Whitehead … Read More

General Motors has a strong lineup of 20 different diesel vehicle options for the 2018 model year – spanning the car, truck, van and compact SUV categories – and GM supports B20 in all 20 of those models. One of GM’s flagship models, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD pickup with a 6.6L Duramax® turbo diesel engine, as well as the … Read More

Heavy equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. was featured at the National Biodiesel Conference this year with a CAT 938M Small Wheel Loader with a high torque, low speed C7.1 ACERT engine in the Biodiesel Vehicle Technology Showcase. Caterpillar is a long-time supporters of B20 biodiesel blends and the Cat equipment product line, consisting of more than 300 machines, sets the standard … Read More

There was no shortage of topics for reporters to ask NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen about during an informal press conference at #NBB18. Among the topics of interest – need for the biodiesel tax credit, the first year with the Trump administration, a cap on RINs prices, working with the oil industry, and whether the domestic biodiesel industry could meet capacity … Read More

Hot Grease is a Discovery Channel documentary showcasing the growth of the biodiesel industry. Jason Lawrence with Amerigreen moderated a panel on the documentary at the #NBB18 with NBB communications manager Jessica Robinson, director/producers Jessica Wolfson and Paul Lovelace, and cinematographer Andrew Miller. Enjoy the panel discussion here: 2018 National Biodiesel Conference

A semi that runs on 100 percent biodiesel literally took over the stage at the 2018 National Biodiesel Conference. The Optimus Technologies truck served as the backdrop and screen for all of the mainstage events at the conference. Optimus has developed aftermarket technology to enable B100 use even in the coldest climates. With its controller and second heated B100 tank … Read More

USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky was presented with the Eye on Biodiesel Pioneer award at the 2018 National Biodiesel Conference. As the long-time CEO of the American Soybean Association, Censky was instrumental in the growth and advancement of biodiesel over the years. ASA’s primary focus as an organization is policy development and implementation of soybean farmer issues, including biodiesel. The … Read More

In an effort to facilitate dialogue with the petroleum industry regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), NBB18 invited representatives to engage on a panel to work towards some common ground. American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers CEO Chet Thompson, SIGMA CEO Ryan McNutt, and Rob Underwood with the Petroleum Marketers of America Association all joined NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen to talk … Read More

This year’s Eye on Biodiesel Initiative award was presented to HERO BX founder Samuel P. “Pat” Black, III. With a vision to help revitalize Erie, Pennsylvania with a return to a booming manufacturing sector, Black founded Lake Erie Biofuels dba HERO BX in 2005. He envisioned a company that would create meaningful jobs, spur technological innovation and produce eco-friendly products. … Read More

Minnesota has been a leader in the biodiesel industry for decades and Mike Youngerberg has been working since 1986 to advance soybean industry priorities as a member of the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association staff. Mike’s dedication earned him the Eye on Biodiesel Impact award this year. Mike currently serves as the Executive … Read More