The National Biodiesel Board today praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for reminding the petroleum industry it must include a total of 500 million gallons of biomass-based diesel, which prominently includes biodiesel, to meet the total mandate of 11.1 billion gallons of renewable fuel next year.

A statement from EPA yesterday reiterated that the requirement is mandated by the 2009 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS).

Joe Jobe, the CEO of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded the EPA for their diligence to ensure that obligated parties would be required to use 500 million gallons of biomass-based diesel to meet these requirements. "Biodiesel is a proven alternative that is ready now; with the highest energy balance of any renewable fuel, its growing economic impact of creating new 'green' jobs and an alternative that brings the U.S. closer to energy independence, biodiesel is the logical renewable fuel to look towards in the future," Jobe stated. "Not to mention its environmental impact is significantly lower than any other fuel on the marketplace today."

The EPA release stated, "It would behoove them (referring to the obligated parties) to acquire the necessary Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) representing biodiesel and renewable diesel in 2009 in preparation for their 2010 compliance demonstration.

"I, along with the entire staff of the NBB look forward to working with both the petroleum and diesel industry to ensure that the RFS for 2009 are met without any complication and will provide any assistance needed to fully comply with the upcoming RFS and ensure 500 million gallons of biodiesel will enter the market next year," Jobe concluded.