The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) held a press call Tuesday to explain why they are so pleased with the final rule on volume obligations for biodiesel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). First of all, NBB CEO Joe Jobe says the rule shows steady growth for biomass-based diesel from 2012 through 2017. “It grows the program from a billion gallons in 2012 to calling for two billion gallons in 2017,” he said. “So that’s a doubling of our industry that is pretty much on track to happen in a five year time period.” He adds that they hope to double again in the following five years.
In addition, Jobe says the rule shows a commitment on the part of the administration to utilize the RFS program to achieve greenhouse gas reduction in the heavy duty transportation sector and gets the program back on track.
At the same time, Jobe says they are continuing to work with Congress to have the biodiesel tax incentives extended, because that works with the RFS for continued growth in the industry. “They’re both important to us, they’re both priorities to us and they’re both needed in this still nascent stage of our industry,” said Jobe.