The National Biodiesel Board recognized three organizations in California this year as the Eye on Biodiesel Climate Leader award winners.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF); Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2); and the American Lung Association were all recognized for their environmental leadership to promote all clean fuels, including biodiesel, along the West Coast. These three organizations, along with other NGOs, bolstered and defended Low Carbon Fuel policies in California and Oregon.
NBB Director of Sustainability Don Scott (L) presented the awards to representatives each organization – Mary Solecki of E2, Heather Palmer with the American Lung Association, and EDF’s Timothy J. O’Connor.
After a three year legal battle, California re-adopted its Low Carbon Fuel Standard in September of 2015. California is now on track to reduce its carbon by 10 percent in the transportation sector. Biodiesel is the lowest carbon liquid fuel available today to help meet these requirements. Oregon, faced with legal challenges, voted to implement a similar policy with a 10 percent reduction goal slated for 2025. These organizations and others were on the ground creating reports and other materials that highlighted the rapid growth of the alternative fuels industry and how policies would further greater investment into advanced biofuels, such as biodiesel. Moreover, they worked tirelessly to defend the legal challenges and were instrumental in helping to defend these trail blazing carbon reduction policies.
O’Connor spoke for the group in accepting the award. Timothy O'Connor, Environmental Defense Fund