The American Soybean Association (ASA) has presented a Special Meritorious Award to Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) for her support of biodiesel, a cleaner burning fuel made from renewable resources such as soybean oil.

"Senator Lincoln has been a strong advocate for soy biodiesel, said ASA President Neal Bredehoeft, a soybean producer from Alma, Mo. "She has sponsored or co-sponsored several pieces of legislation benefiting biodiesel and, most recently, worked her way onto the conference committee of the recently passed JOBS bill, which included the ASA-supported biodiesel tax incentive."

Because Senator Lincoln had previously been unable to accept the award in person at the Association’s Awards Banquet, which was held on February 25, in conjunction with this year’s Commodity Classic in Austin, Tex., Bredehoeft and ASA Board member Doug Hartz, a producer from Stuttgart, Ark., presented the award to Senator Lincoln last week in the Senate Reception Room at the United States Capitol. Bredehoeft and Hartz were in Washington, D.C., to participate in ASA’s regularly scheduled spring Board of Directors meeting.

Senator Lincoln serves on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, and on the Senate Finance Committee; Special Committee on Aging; Select Committee on Ethics; Social Security Task Force; Rural Health Caucus; and New Democratic Coalition.

"Senator Lincoln is a strong advocate for biodiesel, farmers and rural America, and ASA is pleased to present her with this award," Bredehoeft said.