EPA Administrator Praises Biodiesel’s Role in Helping to Clean Up the Air, Reduce America’s Addiction to Foreign Oil
Administrator Johnson Delivers Keynote Address at NBB Conference

SAN DIEGO, Ca.– Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today recognized the important role biodiesel can play in helping to clean up the nation’s air and wean the U.S. from its dangerous addiction to foreign oil. Johnson delivered the keynote address to the General Session of the 2006 Biodiesel Conference & Expo, taking place in San Diego Feb. 5 – 8.

“The President knows we are too reliant on foreign oil,” Johnson said. “Our country is on the verge of a dramatic change for how we power our cars, our homes and our businesses. And innovation – including innovations in biodiesel – is the catalyst of this change.”

Johnson added that he believes, “Twenty-five years from now, we can make foreign sources of oil go the way of the typewriter and the Walkman.” He recognized the significant environmental benefits of biodiesel and added that he believes the U.S. agricultural industry is strong and up to the challenge when it comes to reducing foreign oil. In addition, he congratulated NBB on “going green” at the conference in an effort to lessen its impact on the environment through recycling, composting and other means.

“Renewable fuels like biodiesel are the next step in our steady march toward cleaner, healthier air,” said Johnson. “President Bush and EPA are encouraging investments in the technology that are powering the nation’s economy and driving our environmental successes.”

The speech was Johnson’s first public appearance in California following President Bush’s January 31 State of the Union address and the release of his fiscal year (FY) 2007 budget on February 6. The EPA is working with the biodiesel industry on a variety of clean air programs and a Renewable Fuels Standard that will help achieve the President’s goal of replacing more than 75 percent of oil imports from the Middle East with alternative sources of energy by the year 2025.

“We’re thrilled that EPA Administrator Johnson could join us in San Diego and applaud the work he is doing to increase the use of renewable fuels,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “The President’s FY 2007 Budget includes $50 million for clean diesel programs – a $38 million increase – and $11 million for implementation of the Renewable Fuels Standard. These programs will offer new opportunities for biodiesel. We look forward to continuing to work with EPA on these and other new and innovative approaches to environmental protection and U.S. energy independence.”

The 2006 Biodiesel Conference & Expo includes educational sessions, a trade show and a live satellite radio broadcast with Willie Nelson – who is appearing in person at the conference. The premier event in biodiesel education, this year’s conference has drawn a record crowd of about 2000 people. The Biodiesel Blog offers ready access to written updates from the conference, press releases, pictures, audio interviews and even some video excerpts.

Biodiesel is a cleaner burning alternative fuel that can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with petroleum diesel. A domestically produced, renewable fuel, it can be made from any fat or vegetable oil, such as soybean oil. It reduces emissions while offering similar performance to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel has the highest energy balance of any liquid fuel. For every unit of energy used to make biodiesel, 3.2 units are gained.

Biodiesel has become America’s fastest growing alternative fuel according to the Department of Energy. Production tripled in 2005, reaching 75 million gallons. More than 600 filling stations make biodiesel available to the public, and 1,500 petroleum distributors carry it nationwide. More than 600 fleets use biodiesel, including government and military, commercial and school bus fleets.

Based in Jefferson City, Mo., NBB is a nonprofit trade association coordinating the industry and educating the public about biodiesel.

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