National Biodiesel Board presents industry awards at biodiesel conference

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) announced the winners of its industry awards at the recent National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, honoring those who made an impact in emissions reductions, the theme of this year’s awards.

The NBB awarded efforts in five categories: Climate Leader, Impact, Initiative, Pioneer Award and Lifetime Achievement, recognizing individuals, organizations and businesses.

The Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Entrepreneurs and the American Lung Association won the Climate Leader designation for their collaborative work to promote the use of clean fuels on the West Coast through support of Low Carbon Fuel policies on the state level.

The Impact category went to Beth Calabotta, who used her agricultural yield background to show the potential for biodiesel growth and its emissions benefits. PACCAR Inc., which took the Initiative category, used biofuels in more than 100,000 of its trucks. John Maniscalco’s work as the head of the New York Oil Heating Association, including his advocacy for the use of Bioheat for home heating, earned him the Pioneer Award. The Lifetime Achievement honor went to Mike Livergood, of ADM, who had led the biodiesl industry in the U.S. since its inception, presenting a unified front to promote growth.

“The biodiesel industry is full of inspiring, innovative, pioneers,” NBB Chairman Ron Marr said. “Whether you are improving air quality one home at a time with Bioheat fuel, or reducing millions of tons of carbon through state policy efforts, it takes tremendous dedication and leadership. We are proud to recognize these individuals for their efforts to move America’s Advanced Biofuel forward.”