National Biodiesel Conference & Expo highlights gains of 2015, challenges of the future

The recent National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Tampa, Florida, highlighted the gains made by the biodiesel industry in 2015 that have positioned it for future success, as well as the challenges it is likely to face.

“Last year the biodiesel industry demonstrated more than ever that no matter how beat up we are, no matter how outgunned we are, we don’t back down,” National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe said. “We came together like never before. We stayed true to our principles in the face of deceitful attacks and we achieved the success necessary to put us back on track.”

Last year saw the Renewable Fuel Standard define biodiesel volumes through 2017 and get on schedule for the first time in its history. The industry also received a much needed boost through the extension of tax credits for the biofuels.

Last year also saw the emergence of more strenuous efforts to deny climate change and a need to convert the nation to cleaner burning fuel sources, like biofuels.

“The strategy of disinformation is now being deployed to attack renewable energy and climate change science. Our opponents will continue to use outrageous and desperate tactics as they continue to undermine and work to repeal the only carbon reduction policy currently available in the transportation sector,” Jobe said. “In the face of a bizarre revival of science rejection and a seeming indifference toward the truth in public discourse, we must maintain our position as an industry committed to objective science, critical thinking, and the truth.”