Biodiesel Conference Blog

More biodiesel please. If you can find more biodiesel it was definitely at the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference in Las Vegas. Ok, so even though you were’t exactly taking home barrels of biodiesel, you could win $1,000 in free biodiesel as part of the More B for Me campaign. I got the scoop from Alicia Clancy who is the Manager, Corporate Affairs for the Renewable Fuels Group (REG), the country’s largest biodiesel producer.

Clancy said the goal of the promotion is to increase awareness of biodiesel use in farming equipment – trackers, trucks, etc. While many use a B2 or B5 blend, Clancy said all farm equipment is approved for use up to B20. As part of the campaign, farmers (or consumers) are encouraged go to their local co-op or gas station and ask them to offer higher blends of biodiesel.

Here is how it works. Go to www.morebforme.com to register. You must be a farmer in Iowa (although everyone should ask for more biodiesel). REG is giving away 10 – $1,000 dollar certificates at the end of March, just in time for planting season.

Other sponsors of the program include the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean checkoff, Iowa Biodiesel Board and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

Listen to my interview with Alicia here: More B For Me

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference: Momentum, kicked off with a bang this morning in Las Vegas as the organization celebrated 20 years. The session focused on the both the history and future of biodiesel and included the announcement of several “Eye on Biodiesel” awards.

The winner of the “Influencer” category was the United Soybean Board (USB) who helped to make the success of the industry possible through its leadership and financial commitment through the soybean checkoff dating back to 1992. NBB’s CEO Joe Jobe noted that their continued support is instrumental in the growth of the biodiesel industry.

“Biodiesel, America’s advanced biofuel, would not be what it is today without champions and supporters like these Eye on Biodiesel honorees,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. “It is very fitting that as we reflect on 20 years of our industry that we honor our past and the enormous impact these biodiesel pioneers had on the early development of the biodiesel industry. We did our homework, and then some, to make sure biodiesel would be received as a technically credible fuel and that is a process that continues today.”

Listen to my interview with Jim Stillman, Vice Chair of USB who accepted the award on the organization’s behalf: USB's Eye on Biodiesel

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Ever wondered how to find local biodiesel retail filling stations? Now you don’t need to with the BiodieselNow smart phone app.

BiodieselNow, a new app offered by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), gives users the ability to quickly find biodiesel fueling stations, track fuel purchases and earn rewards.

There are hundreds of retail stations making biodiesel blends available to the public both at filling stations and fuel docks. The BiodieselNow app could not have been launched at a better time and makes finding those stations easier than ever before. Download the app today to find biodiesel, now.

You can find the app in the iTunes Store and Google Play.

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The opening general session of this year’s conference was a fantastic look back at 20 years of the National Biodiesel Board and 10 years of this conference. We’ll be sharing some of those moments during the next couple days as we make new memories.

Here are some excerpts from this morning’s opening speech by Joe Jobe, CEO of the NBB.

In thinking about what I wanted to say today it occurred to me that the past and future of the biodiesel industry can best be described in three distinct eras. These eras are distinct for the biodiesel industry but also distinct as stand-alone eras in history.

Biodiesel will be in its 20′s during this period and like most people in their 20′s, this era will provide a lot of exciting growth, development, and innovation to look forward to – as long as we stay dedicated and unified as an industry.

You can listen to all of Joe’s opening speech here: Joe Jobe Opening Speech

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The National Biodeiesel Board staff and various contractors welcomes you to this year’s conference. We’ll be kicking things off this morning with educational sessions and then the first general session in just a little while.

I’ll be biodiesel blogging again for you and have an online photo album already started. We’ll be adding to it throughout the next several days.

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

It’s almost time for the 2013 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. That means you need to get registered if you haven’t already!

We’ll be following all the action again this year on the National Biodiesel Conference Blog. Look for photos, interviews and speeches to be posted during the conference.

To get a preview of what’s to come listen in on an interview with Jessica Robinson, Director of Communications for the National Biodiesel Board. The conference theme is Momentum. Jessica says the theme fits on several levels. To start with, the National Biodiesel Board and biodiesel is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Then you have to look at the challenging year the industry had in 2012. Now NBB feels like it is poised for new growth in 2013. It is the first time the conference has been held in Las Vegas.

You can listen to my preview interview with Jessica here: Preview Interview with Jessica Robinson

To wrap things up at the 2012 National Biodiesel Conference I spoke with NBB CEO, Joe Jobe. He says that there was about a twenty five percent increase in attendance this year. However, he says it’s not the numbers that has made this conference so positive but the mood of the attendees which is much more upbeat than last year. He was happy to see more business being conducted. I certainly echo that.

If you plan ahead on your calendar you might want to go ahead and put the 2013 conference on your calendar. It will be held February 4-7, 2013 at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Don’t forget to check out photos from this year’s conference which you can find by clicking on the link below and at the bottom of every post. You can also click on the thumbnails in the left sidebar to get to them too.

You can listen to my wrap-up interview with Joe here: Wrap-up Interview with Joe Jobe

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

During the Sustainability Symposium luncheon another Eye on Biodiesel award was presented:

Innovation: Keith Kline and Virginia Dale- Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The environmental benefits of biodiesel are many. In this age of skepticism and competition for resources, it behooves us to quantify the environmental benefits in methodical and scientific ways. Keith Kline and Virginia Dale are leaders in scientific thought and published research on the true environmental impact of biodiesel and renewable fuels. Their published works on measurement of land use change and environmental impacts of feedstock production provide needed perspective in a political atmosphere that threatens to stymie advancement of alternative fuels due to speculation and unsupported claims against the environmental reputation of biofuels.

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The 2012 National Biodiesel Conference featured an expanded display of biodiesel vehicles. Here’s a panoramic shot of the display

Featured Vehicles and their Notable Representatives Included:

• Paul Teutul, Sr., the iconic founder of New York’s custom motorcycle shop Orange County Choppers and star of the hit Discovery Channel series American Chopper, revealed his latest custom-built chopper and one-of-a-kind biodiesel vehicle!




• Motorsports enthusiast and soybean farmer Brent Hajek showed his land-speed record-setting Ford F-250, which clocked 182 mph running on a B20 biodiesel blend at the Bonneville Salt Flats.




• Ford Motor Company will presented its brand new 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty, built Ford tough and approved for use with B20 biodiesel blends.




• Hino Trucks, the latest OEM to approve the use of B20 biodiesel blends, will presented its new game-changer: the 2012 Hino COE 195h hybrid truck, which runs on B20 and electric power.




• Florida Power & Light, one of the greenest fleets in Florida, showcased one of its many capable utility vehicles operating on B20 biodiesel blends.




• NASA, one of Florida’s best known green fleets and pioneers in the use of B20 biodiesel blends, featured one of its H1 Hummers used to support much of NASA’s program testing on new craft and space suites.




• We took a look into the future with a Diesel Electric eXperimental Vehicle (DEX-V) built by the non-profit group BDCOTSRUS from commercial off-the-shelf parts. Powered by B20 and electric power, this vehicle achieves a fuel economy of more than 100 miles per gallon.




• We also saw the future of biodiesel take on a luxurious look as CIMA Green presented its next major biodiesel project – the awe-inspiring Fisker Karma hybrid electric sports car, ready for a biodiesel upgrade.

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The keynote address at the Sustainability Symposium was given by Stephen Kaffa, California Biomass Collaborative.

His keynote outlined the major environmental, economic and social factors impacted by our choice of fuel.

He said it’s a big topic to cover in a short period of time and started with the “easy” part. He asked if everyone agreed on the three pillars of sustainability which are that agriculture or biomass production should be environmentally sound, economically profitable and socially just. Everyone agreed.

You can listen to Stephen’s remarks here: Stephen Kaffa Remarks

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The last day of the 2012 National Biodiesel Conference featured a first ever Sustainability Symposium. A lot of attendees stayed for this event. Getting us started was Rachel Burton, Piedmont Biofuels. Rachel also introduced the keynote speaker, Stephen Kaffa, California Biomass Collaborative.

I spoke with Rachel before things got started to learn more about the Sustainability Symposium. She says the purpose is to connect with members and stakeholders about the current state of affairs with sustainability within the biodiesel industry. The symposium is taking a look at all the various aspects of sustainability that impact the industry.

Listen to the panel discussion here: Interview with Rachel Burton

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

During this year’s conference the radio program AgriTalk was broadcasting live once again. Here’s host Mike Adams interviewing NBB Chairman Gary Haer for the broadcast. The radio show also streams and records video and then uploads segments to their YouTube channel.

Here are links to some of the guest segments from their broadcast on Monday:

Anne Steckel: Anne Steckel talks about prospects for getting Congress to renew the biodiesel tax credit.

Brent Hajek: Brent Hajek of Hajek Motorsports explains how biodiesel was the key to breaking a land speed record in a stock Ford pickup.

Kansas Soybean: Brad Thompson of Bridgeman Oil Company and Don Kramer of Kramer Oil Company explain how biodiesel is making mines safer for those who work in them.

BioHeat: Residents in the northeast are increasingly turning to biodiesel to heat their homes. It’s a product called BioHeat, and it provides a drop-in renewable and clean source for home heating oil. Paul Nazarro of Advanced Fuel Solutions and John Maniscalco of the New York Oil Heating Association provide the details.

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The second general session of the conference featured a panel discussion on diesel technology. Panelists included Glenn Ellis, Hino Trucks; Jim Michon, Ford Motor Company; Tom Fulks, Disel Technology Forum; Roger Gault, Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association and moderator Steve Howell, NBB Technical Director.

Many OEMs have taken the road to B20, a major biodiesel victory. With increased fuel economy standards and ever-lower emissions requirements, do all roads lead to diesel? These automotive industry leaders discussed their leaps forward in meeting stringent fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards, and the new role they see for biodiesel. It was a lively conversation about the future of diesel vehicle technology.

Listen to the panel discussion here: Diesel Technology Panel Discussion

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Meet the newest member of the National Biodiesel Board team in Washington, DC. Anne Steckel – Vice President of Federal Affairs. Anne spoke during today’s general session and talked about the challenges facing the industry. She also pointed to what is being done to ensure success including:

First, we have a great track record in Washington. These victories are laying the groundwork for the tremendous potential the industry holds.

Anne urged everyone to make personal contact with their local elected officials since that will have the most impact during this chaotic year in politics.

Listen to Anne’s remarks here: Anne Steckel Remarks

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

During the general session today a special Pioneer Award was presented to Krysta Harden, Chief of Staff for United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Harden spoke about her experiences over the years working for biodiesel.

Throughout her three decades in Washington D.C. Harden has held numerous positions including CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts, Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations, Senior VP for the agriculture consulting firm Gordley Associates, professional staff member for the House Agriculture Committee and chief of staff to former Congressman Charles Hatcher (D-GA). During her work with Gordley Associates, representing the American Soybean Association, Harden was instrumental in laying the groundwork for federal biodiesel policies that have been hugely successful in growing a viable biodiesel industry. Harden continues to be a leader on biofuels in Washington due to her passion for the agriculture industry, environmental issues and energy.

Listen to Krysta’s remarks here: Krysta Harden Remarks

Also receiving an award today was Glenn Ellis, Hino Trucks (pictured on left). He accepted the National Biodiesel Board’s Eye on Biodiesel Impact Award.

Impact: Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc and Hino Trucks. In 2011 two new equipment manufacturers joined the ranks of B20 supporters. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., announced that all of its 2011 and forward model year diesel trucks are approved for use with B20.1 Isuzu was a trailblazer as the first Asian manufacturer to approve B20 for U.S. market spec engines. According to Isuzu, the announcement of B20 support was the result of three key factors: growing consumer demand for biodiesel, an extensive internal research project on B20 by Isuzu engineers, and improved biodiesel fuel quality. Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, then multiplied the market impact in July by becoming the first manufacturer to support the use of B20 biodiesel blends in a hybrid-electric truck, as well as in its complete product line of class 4 and 5 cab over, and class 6 and 7 conventional trucks. Hino Trucks is the world’s third largest manufacturer of light and medium duty trucks, and now the fastest growing truck manufacturer in the U.S. With these two additions, 95 percent of the U.S. medium duty truck market now approves B20.

Listen to Glenn’s remarks here: Glenn Ellis Remarks

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

National Biodiesel Chairman, Gary Haer, took to the stage today to address attendees during a general session. He commented on the Presidential campaign in his state of Iowa and how nice it would be if they could get out and visit biodiesel plants on their campaign stops. A key focus of his remarks was how the growth of the RFS would create new jobs in America.

On our national biodiesel campaign tour, I’d introduce Americans to green-collar workers who are our boots on the ground. The people who put on work shirts, coveralls, and hardhats day-in and day-out to produce energy security one gallon at a time.

RFS2 can create 26 new green collar jobs every day, some of which will be in the oil and agriculture industries. That’s 26 new skilled, family-wage positions every day. 26 more domestic jobs producing our nation’s energy security in just two years with the growth of the RFS2.

Listen to Gary’s remarks here: Gary Haer Speech

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The big news today at the conference was the unveiling of the biodiesel bike built by Paul Teutul, Sr., Orange County Choppers. The bike was built in partnership with CIMA Green. Today the bike debuted on stage driven by former NBB Chairman, Ed Hegland. Then Paul Sr. himself drove it onto the biodiesel vehicle showcase floor where he talked about the project with attendees. CIMA Green actually had two bikes built and donated one to the National Biodiesel Board along with a check for $50,000 to use for transportation expenses to showcase the bike at various events around the country.

I spoke with Paul Sr. just prior to his entry into the exhibit hall and he says the bike was a tough one to build. He says it’s not a speed demon but it won’t break down, “It’s just made to go.” The bike has affectionately been named Susie, btw.

Listen to my interview with Paul Sr. here: Interview with Paul Sr.

Listen to Paul Sr. describe the biodiesel bike here: Paul Sr. Remarks

Here’s video of Paul, Sr. driving into the exhibit hall.

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The conference features a first ever Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel Poster Session this year. I stopped by to see what these student presenters were displaying.

One of them is Shwetha Sivakaminathan, Clemson University. Her poster/project topic is “Comparison of biomass and lipid production of heterotropic Chlorella protothecoides using biodiesel derived crude and pure glycerol.” She speaks a language different than mine so I will let her explain her project in our interview. Shwetha is working on a Masters degree right now and contemplating a doctorate or perhaps entering industry depending on what opportunities she finds.

Listen to my interview with Shwetha here: Interview with Shwetha Sivakaminathan

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The National Biodiesel Foundation held another very successful raffle ticket fundraiser during the Super Bowl party last night. Here are some of the Foundation’s accomplishments last year.

2011 highlights include several notable accomplishments:

We co-hosted the 3rd Annual Biofuels Science and Sustainability Tour, designed to educate congressional members and their staff on the Iowa renewable fuels industry.

I caught John Heisdorffer, Iowa Soybean Association, Foundation President, in the video telling us about it.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

One of our first sessions this morning focused on the Federal Policy Outlook, particularly in Washington, DC. Presenting were Maria Cardona, Dewey Square Group and Brad Todd, On Message, Inc.

I spoke with Maria after the session to get her thoughts on what’s going on in our nation’s Capitol. She says this is going to be a really challenging year since we’ve not only got a Presidential election but also some of the most partisan disagreement in memory. What is hopeful, however, is how powerful your voice can be. She highly encourages biodiesel industry members to contact their local legislators directly since that contact carries more weight than even the highest paid lobbyist.

Listen to my interview with Maria here: Interview with Maria Cardona

Remember that you can follow what the Twitterverse is saying about the conference using the hashtag #NBB12.

2012 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album