The American Soybean Association (ASA) expresses appreciation to the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act of 2009, by a 241 to 181 margin in a vote taken today. ASA fully supports the provisions in H.R. 4213 that extend the biodiesel tax incentive through December 31, 2010. Extension of the biodiesel tax incentive is a top priority for ASA.

"Biodiesel has provided a significant market opportunity for U.S. soybean farmers, as well as jobs and economic development for rural communities, and ASA is proud of its role in establishing the U.S. biodiesel industry," said ASA President Rob Joslin, a soybean producer from Sidney, Ohio. "Biodiesel is one of the cleanest burning biofuels currently used in commercial markets. Biodiesel is a renewable and sustainable energy source that can play a significant role in our national efforts to increase our energy security and improve our environmental footprint. The biodiesel industry is creating valuable green jobs and making a positive contribution to the economy."

The biodiesel tax incentive is currently set to expire on December 31, 2009 and production will cease if the tax incentive is not extended. Uncertainty relating to federal policy that is vital to the industry’s survival is sending inconsistent signals to the marketplace and undermining investor confidence in the industry.

"At this point, it remains unclear when, or if, the U.S. Senate will address tax extenders legislation before the end of the year," Joslin said. "I strongly encourage all soybean farmers to contact their Senators directly, both via phone and email, to explain the need for the Senate to extend the biodiesel tax incentive before the end of year."

To press the issue with Members of the U.S. Senate, ASA leaders will participate in a biodiesel industry lobbying effort next Thursday in Washington, D.C. The group will meet with Senators to enlist support and press for Senate action to extend the biodiesel tax incentive beyond December 31, 2009.

Participating for ASA will be: ASA First Vice President Alan Kemper, a soybean producer from Lafayette, Indiana; ASA representative to the National Biodiesel Board Darryl Brinkmann, a soybean producer from Carlyle, Illinois; and ASA Board member Bob Henry, a producer from Robinson, Kansas who serves as ASA’s alternate to the National Biodiesel Board. These ASA leaders will join with farmers from state soybean associations, livestock producers, biodiesel producers, and others in the biodiesel industry to push for prompt Senate action to extend the biodiesel tax incentive.