The American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today expressed their disappointment that final consideration of the Energy Bill was postponed until next year. The Energy Bill contains the first ever biodiesel tax incentive. Biodiesel is a cleaner burning alternative to petroleum-based diesel that is made primarily from soybeans that are grown in the U.S.

"We’re disappointed that the measure won’t be completed this year," said ASA President and NBB Director Ron Heck. "But our efforts to approve a biodiesel tax incentive will continue. In fact, our campaign will only intensify over the days and weeks ahead as congressional leaders and the White House look to forge a compromise on the Energy bill."

The decision to delay final consideration of the Energy Bill until next year was made because supporters of the measure are still two votes shy of the 60 needed to invoke cloture in the Senate, which would clear the way for final passage of the Energy Bill. With time winding down on the first session of the 108th Congress, Energy Bill supporters determined it was necessary to wait until next year to finish the bill. The delay has nothing to due with biodiesel.

"Biodiesel is good for the country, it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for farmers. I call on our leaders in Washington to demonstrate their commitment to soybean farmers and all Americans and approve an Energy Bill that contains strong biodiesel provisions immediately after Congress reconvenes in January," added NBB Chairman and ASA Vice President Bob Metz.

Securing passage of a biodiesel tax incentive is the top legislative priority of the ASA and the NBB. Due in large part to the efforts of U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and others, a biodiesel tax incentive was included in the final Energy Bill. It amounts to one penny per percentage point of biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel. The tax incentive will be available to diesel excise taxpayers and other fuel distributors who purchase biodiesel and blend it into diesel fuel. The incentives are intended to reduce the cost of biodiesel to the end consumer in both taxable and tax exempt markets.

"Congress will adjourn soon and return home until it reconvenes in January. Soybean farmers should take advantage of this opportunity to thank our congressional supporters and ask for their continued support. They should also schedule meetings and place calls to those that did not support the Energy Bill. Please explain to those that voted against us how important the Energy Bill is to farmers and ask them to reconsider their vote," concluded Heck.