Fifth Annual National Biodiesel Day Underscores Industry Growth
New Research Shows Consumer Awareness is on the Rise

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– Rudolf Diesel would be proud.

With great foresight in 1912, he said “the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today, but such oils may become, in the course of time, as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time.” Those words have taken on added significance at a time when the biodiesel industry is experiencing record growth and public awareness of the alternative fuel is steadily increasing.

Recent market research conducted for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) found significant increases in biodiesel awareness among all groups surveyed. General awareness among consumers increased from 27 percent familiarity in August 2004 to 41 percent in December 2005.

National Biodiesel Day takes place on March 18, the date of Rudolf Diesel’s birthday. The biodiesel industry chose his birthday to honor him for his foresight in recognizing the valuable role of vegetable oil-based fuel. In the late 19th Century, Diesel ran early versions of his engine on peanut oil and paved the path for today’s biodiesel. Biodiesel is now made from soybean oil, as well as other vegetable oils and fats.

“Today, biodiesel is the fastest growing alternative fuel in the nation,” said Joe Jobe, Chief Executive Officer of NBB. “The biodiesel tax incentive, which took effect in January 2005, coupled with the need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment, has led to greater demand for domestically produced biodiesel.”

In 2005, biodiesel production reached 75 million gallons – three times the 25 million gallons produced just one year earlier. In addition to greater awareness from the general public, market research shows familiarity with biodiesel among trucking executives increased from 27 percent in 2004 to 53 percent in 2005. Also of note:

• More than half of consumers surveyed are willing to pay more per gallon for biodiesel than regular diesel fuel
• Four-in-five consumers continue to support a tax incentive that would make biodiesel cost-competitive with regular diesel fuel
• 88 percent of environmental group leaders and 84 percent of health organization leaders support biodiesel as a transitional fuel, because biodiesel can make an immediate impact on reducing emissions until zero emissions technology is developed.

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