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Biodiesel is
a renewable fuel derived from a wide range of vegetable
oils and animal fats. It may be used as an additive to
diesel fuel in various blends ranging from 2- to 100%.
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Can be introduced into a diesel engine or into
customers’ bulk storage tanks.
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Cost of Biodiesel is a penny per gallon more
than regular diesel per Biodiesel percent blend. For
example, a 2% blend will add 2 cents per gallon.
However, state and federal tax incentives bring
biodiesel costs inline with standard diesel.
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Any diesel-powered vehicle or piece of equipment
can utilize biodiesel. No equipment alterations are
necessary.
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Range is comparable or better than diesel.
Performance is very similar to diesel.
Biodiesel News:
4.15.09
Scientists
Sign Declaration in Support of Biodiesel
Scientists
are going on record in support of biodiesel. More than 60
scientists have signed the "Scientists for Biodiesel"
declaration, launched in early February. Scientists from the
University of California at Berkeley, Texas Tech and Penn
State, and from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL),
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Sandia National
Laboratories, just to name a few, recognize the promise of
sustainable biodiesel.
"Scientists sometimes have differences of opinion, but this
declaration is intended to show the broad consensus among
scientists about the benefits of biodiesel," said Dr. Rob
Myers, a director of the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural
Institute. Dr. Myers and Donald Danforth Plant Science
Center President Roger Beachy began the "Scientists for
Biodiesel" declaration. More information, the full text of
the declaration and a list of scientists who have signed as
well as the sign up site for scientists join, are available
at
www.biodieselsustainability.com/scientists.html.
4.7.09
IRS Extends Deadline for Meeting ASTM D6751-2008
Biodiesel Standard
A newly revised American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751-08
biodiesel quality standard took effect on October 13,
2008. Under the IRS code, only biodiesel that conforms
to the revised ASTM D6751-08 standard is eligible for
the current one dollar per gallon federal biodiesel tax
credit. In order to smooth the transition to the revised
standard, the IRS (IRS Notice 2008-110) allowed product
meeting the old ASTM D6751 quality standard - in effect
before October 13, 2008 – to continue to qualify for the
federal biodiesel tax credit until April 1, 2009. The
IRS issued an announcement this week (IRS Notice
2009-34) that the April 1, 2009 transition deadline for
conformance with the revised ASTM D6751 is being
extended to October 1, 2009.
IRS EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR
MEETING ASTM D6751-2008 BIODIESEL STANDARD
Sections 40A, 6426 and 6427(e) of the Internal Revenue
Code (IRC) provide tax credits for the production, sale
and use of biodiesel and biodiesel mixtures. Section
40A(d)(1) defines biodiesel as monoalkyl esters of long
chain fatty acids derived from plant or animal matter
that meet EPA fuel registration requirements and ASTM
D6751. In order to be eligible for the credit, blenders
are required under IRC 6426(c)(4) to obtain a
certificate from the biodiesel producer that certifies
the biodiesel used in the mixture conforms to ASTM
D6751.
On October 13, 2008, the ASTM revised the standard for
D6751 by adding a cold soak filtration test for
biodiesel. In order to smooth the transition to
compliance with the revised ASTM standard, the IRS
allowed product meeting either the old or revised ASTM
standard to qualify for the federal biodiesel tax credit
until April 1, 2009. Beginning on this date, only
product meeting the revised ASTM D6751-08 standard would
qualify for the federal biodiesel tax credit. The IRS is
now extending the April 1, 2009 deadline to October 1,
2009. This means that until October 1, 2009, biodiesel
product meeting either the old or revised ASTM D6751
standard qualifies for the federal biodiesel tax credit.
Beginning October 1, 2009, only product that meets the
revised ASTM D6751-08 standard will qualify for the one
dollar per gallon federal biodiesel tax credit. In
addition, all producer certificates must certify after
September 30, 2009 that the product meets “ASTM
D6751-08” in order to qualify for the federal biodiesel
tax credit.
GOT QUESTIONS? Contact Mark S. Morgan,
Regulatory Counsel at (202) 364-6767 or by e-mail at
mmorganptsa@cox.net
1.9.09
Underwriters Laboratories
Announces Position on Use of B5 Biodiesel Blends
Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. (UL) is announcing that products
intended to use biodiesel blends up to B5 that are
compliant with applicable ASTM International fuel
standards will not require special investigation by UL.
This is consistent with ASTM standards for heating oil
and diesel fuel, which were recently updated to indicate
that B5 blends may be considered the same as the
conventional petroleum fuels under their scope.
In anticipation of the
changes to the ASTM fuel standards, UL initiated a
technical review of biodiesel fuel and technologies
working closely with US Department of Energy, National
Renewable Energy Laboratory, Brookhaven National
Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the
National Biodiesel Board. UL also conducted performance
testing of heating equipment using B5.
The findings indicated no
adverse safety effects. It is acknowledged however that
introduction of biodiesel may potentially affect fuel
quality, mobilize contaminants in the fuel system, or
increase the potential for microbial contamination.
These performance issues are outside of the scope of UL
standards and certification. Manufacturer instructions
for use and maintenance of equipment should always be
followed.
Use of biodiesel at
levels above 5% may have a significant effect on
materials, performance or combustion of some equipment.
UL is in the process of finalizing product safety
requirements for equipment specified for use with
biodiesel (B100) and biodiesel blends up to B20.
UL is an independent,
not-for-profit product safety certification
organization. We remain committed to promoting safe
living and working environments through the development
of effective safety standards, product investigations
and ongoing safety-based audits of products that bear
the UL Mark. UL remains independent in this mission and
does not endorse, recommend or favor one product over
another.
12.12.08
FTC Biodiesel Labeling
Requirements Take Affect December 16

On Tuesday, December 16, the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) will require petroleum retailers who sell
Biodiesel to comply with the new Biodiesel pump labeling
law. According to the requirement, all retail Biodiesel
pumps selling more than a 5 percent blend of Biodiesel (B5)
The official labels are available for one
dollar in the "store" section of the All Things Biodiesel
web site -
www.allthingsbiodiesel.com.
The FTC published the final ruling on
biodiesel pump labeling on June 23. One of the approved
labels is for blends between 5 and 20 percent and the second
is for B100 (100 percent biodiesel). If a retailer has a
blend between 21 and 99 percent, an order can be placed on
AllThingsBiodiesel.com.
Read more about the labeling requirements
Go to
www.AllThingsBiodiesel.com.
10.17.08
New
Biodiesel Blend Specifications Published by ASTM
International
Specs for Finished Blends Help Facilitate
Commerce for Biodiesel Industry
Biodiesel is reaching new heights as a proven fuel,
bolstered by new quality specifications for biodiesel blends
published by ASTM International. Biodiesel producers,
petroleum companies, engine companies, vehicle
manufacturers, pipeline operators, fleets and consumers will
benefit from the new biodiesel blend specifications, using
them for fuel preparation, quality checking, engine design,
and bid and purchasing contracts.
ASTM International, one of the largest and most highly
regarded standards development organizations in the world,
has now officially published the highly anticipated
biodiesel blend specifications on the ASTM website
www.astm.org for general use.
The new biodiesel blend specifications include:
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ASTM
D975-08a, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
— used for on- and off-road diesel applications; revised
to include requirements for up to 5 percent biodiesel.
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ASTM
D396-08b, Specification for Fuel Oils
— used for home heating and boiler applications; revised
to include requirements for up to 5 percent biodiesel.
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ASTM
D7467-08, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oil, Biodiesel
Blend (B6 to 20)
— a completely new specification that covers finished fuel
blends of between 6 (B6) and 20 (B20) percent biodiesel
for on- and off-road diesel engine use.
ASTM International also approved some updates to the
existing ASTM standard for biodiesel, ASTM D6751, which is
designed to control pure biodiesel (B100) product quality
prior to blending with conventional diesel fuel.
The rigorous ASTM process yielded stringent specifications
to help ensure the availability of high quality biodiesel
blends in the marketplace.
Read the full press release.
Biodiesel -
9.16.08
Caterpillar Approves Use Of B20
Biodiesel For Compact and Mid-Range Industrial Engines
Caterpillar
recently approved the use of B20 biodiesel -20% dilution of
biodiesel with standard diesel - across its range of compact and
mid-range engines. Caterpillar believes the growth of biodiesel as a
fuel source and the move to higher percentage blends makes approval
of this fuel source a strategic market advantage for OEMs and end
users.
Addition of these engines to the B20
approved product line follows successful testing of higher
percentage blended fuels in a number of installations. Results of
those tests indicate trouble-free operation. Biodiesel used in B20
blends must meet the most current version of ASTM D6751 or EN14214.
The final B20 blend should meet the minimum requirements of the
upcoming ASTM specification for B5-B20 blends.
“This announcement further confirms
Cat’s commitment to its industrial customers by bringing the
broadest range of biodiesel compatible engines to market.” said Cat
industrial engine marketing manager Mike Reinhart. “These engines
join the previously B30 approved C7 ACERT® through C32
ACERT® and our 3400 and 3500 series. Cat industrial
engines provide customers who want the flexibility to utilize a wide
variety of fuels the confidence to use them in numerous industrial
applications,” Reinhart added. “Biodiesel that meets industry
quality standards can be good for the environment and for our
customers.”
Biodiesel - 9.5.08
More
Kentucky Kids Benefit from Biodiesel Use
Jefferson County
Public Schools in Louisville report an increase in their ridership
this school year. The 2008/09 year sees approximately 61,500
students per day on the busses powered by Biodiesel. The increase
is up from 60,700 last school year. JCPS utilizes 1100 buses and
also fuels their 400 support vehicles (primarily trucks) on
Biodiesel.
Biodiesel - 8.22.08
All Things Biodiesel is the Source for FTC-Approved
Biodiesel Pump Labels
New labeling requirements become effective
on December 16, 2008
One stop at
AllThingsBiodiesel.com is all it takes for petroleum retailers
who sell biodiesel to comply with the new biodiesel pump labeling
law. The official labels are available for one dollar in the "Biodiesel
Store" on the Web site. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires
such labels to be displayed on all retail biodiesel pumps selling
more than a 5 percent blend of biodiesel (B5), effective Dec. 16.
More information.
6.20.08
ASTM Fuels Subcommittee Votes to Approve Biodiesel Blend
Specifications
In a landmark
vote, the fuel experts of ASTM Subcommittee E voted
overwhelmingly Mondy to recommend the passage of finished
specifications for biodiesel blends. Specifically, they will
recommend the following to the ASTM D02 Main Committee at
its final vote later this week:
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Finished
specifications to include up to 5% biodiesel (B5) in the
conventional petrodiesel specification (ASTM D975)
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Changes to the
existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification (ASTM
D6751)
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A new
specification for blends of between 6 percent biodiesel
(B6) to 20 percent biodiesel (B20) for on and off road
diesel.
Read more
4.18.07
Limestone
Mines in Kentucky Using Biodiesel as Primary Fuel
Louisville, KY - Petroleum prices continue to rise across
the United States, but here in Kentucky, two underground
mining operations have not missed a beat. They are using a
blend of Biodiesel in all of their underground equipment.
The Maysville mine continues to use a 99 percent Biodiesel
blend. The Black River mine has used a blend that is
comprised of between 50 and 99 percent Biodiesel.
Carmeuse mines limestone for the production of lime, which
is used as aggregate and sold to power plants as a sulfur
removal agent. Carmeuse began using a 99 percent blend of
Biodiesel one year ago at both their Black River (Pendleton
County) and Maysville (Mason County) sites. Combined, the
mines use approximately 1 million gallons of fuel annually
and store it on site.
Read more
4.15.08
Navistar (International)
releases Biodiesel TSI for their diesel engines
View the
Technical Service Information paper here
Biodiesel
- 4.14.08
Frankfort Plant Board Trucks
Switch To Biodiesel
On its quest to go green, the Frankfort Plant Board has converted its 55 diesel trucks and equipment to use biodiesel fuel. View The State Journal story here.

3.10.08
Biodiesel tank available for
government vehicles, equipment;
Central location
assists in increasing use
of biofuels
A cleaner form of fuel is now more
readily available for state operated equipment. A new
10,000-gallon biodiesel tank has been installed at the
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Equipment on
Wilkinson Street in
Frankfort .
Read the story...
National Biodiesel
Board releases information regarding Winter Biodiesel
performance
See
http://www.biodiesel.org/cold/ for more information.
Biodiesel Offers
Safe & Affordable RINs for 2008 & 2009
The
National Biodiesel Board welcomes the EPA’s
publication of the new 9 billion gallon Renewable
Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2008. Biodiesel is an
important component and a huge value to the current
domestic petroleum marketplace. “In 2008, we
anticipate the domestic biodiesel industry will
produce more than 500 million gallons or at least
750 million worry-free renewable identification
numbers (RINs), which can be used by the petroleum
sector to meet its renewable fuel requirements in
both 2008 and 2009,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe.
Read the Press Release...
2.05.08
Study Shows Biodiesel Industry Steps Up to Fuel Quality
Challenge
The aggressive fuel quality outreach program put into place by
the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has demonstrated positive results. A
new study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows the
biodiesel industry has achieved a high degree of success in meeting
national fuel quality standards.
According to the results, which NREL Senior Chemist Teresa Alleman
presented at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla.,
the in-spec samples represent 90 percent of the biodiesel produced in
the U.S. last year.
Read the news release,
Study Shows Biodiesel Industry Steps Up to Fuel Quality Challenge,
for more.
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Who's Producing Biodiesel?
Griffin Industries
Owensboro Grain |