Biodiesel Conference Kicks Off with Theme of Leading. Change. Now.
Scientists Announce Declaration for Biodiesel

SAN FRANCISCO– SAN FRANCISCO – A showcase of the latest diesel vehicles, a declaration of support from scientists, and a panel of biodiesel all-stars from the City of San Francisco helped kick off the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo in San Francisco today. During his state-of-the-industry address, National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe said the biodiesel industry is looking to the future while addressing global demands for sustainable, renewable clean energy today.

"When it comes to addressing sustainable carbon policy, biodiesel is leading the way," said Jobe. "Over the last year, the NBB has worked diligently at addressing issues related to sustainability. We have initiated programs aimed at feedstock development, food security enhancement, and greenhouse gas reduction. Biodiesel is not a theoretical solution, it is one of the few solutions available right now."

Jobe was joined at the conference by Dr. Rob Myers, Director of Crop Diversity at the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute, who announced the declaration of "Scientists for Biodiesel." The declaration is intended to show the broad consensus among scientists about the benefits of biodiesel.

"Our goal is to increase awareness and information sharing about the depth and breadth of the scientific research behind biodiesel that contributes to its sustainability," said Myers. "At the same time, we are calling for more investment into the scientific needs associated with this vital bioenergy source."

At the biodiesel vehicle showcase, Volkswagen announced that B5 will be the official fuel of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Racing Series. HYPERFUELS, a national supplier of race fuels, biodiesel, additives, and lubricants, has been selected as the official fuel sponsor. Approximately 3,192 gallons of B5 will be used to fuel the diesel race cars as well as the transport trucks and generators throughout the series.

Actress and biodiesel advocate, Daryl Hannah helped open the biodiesel vehicle showcase by presenting her own biodiesel-powered El Camino. "I've been an avid user of biodiesel for years," said Hannah. "It is a great alternative fuel source and good for the environment."

Other vehicles in the biodiesel vehicle showcase included:

• Chrysler's Dodge Ram pick up truck, which is approved for up to B20 (20 percent biodiesel) for fleet use
• Hayes Diversified Technologies’ diesel powered motorcycles, including a land speed record setting production diesel motorcycle
• Solazyme's factory-standard Jeep Liberty operating on 100 percent algae-derived biodiesel
• Jay Leno’s Ecojet presented by New Holland

• Vandana Bali of the San Francisco Department of the Environment
• Mike Ferry of the San Francisco Fire Department
• Karri Ving of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
• Marty Mellera of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

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