The American Soybean Association (ASA) is pleased with the interim final rule to allow public vehicle fleets to earn credits under the Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 1992 by using a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel, commonly called (B-20), that the Department of Energy (DOE) released yesterday. Passage of B-20 legislation last October was one of ASA’s top priorities because government fleet use of biodiesel could add up to 11 cents per bushel to the price of soybeans, as well as reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and encourage use of a cleaner burning fuel. The DOE rule establishes the procedures to give the credits allowed under the amendment to EPACT made by Congress last year.

"ASA welcomes the Department of Energy’s interim rule that is an important step toward boosting soybean prices while benefiting the environment," said ASA President Mike Yost of Murdock, Minn.

In March, 1999, ASA called for the required use of biodiesel in government fleets to increase vegetable oil consumption and give private and government fleet managers greater flexibility to meet their current alternative fuel use requirements under EPACT. According to USDA, a modest, nationwide market for biodiesel of 50 million gallons a year could increase farm income by $160 million annually.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation will save the Federal government $10 million annually from reduced EPACT compliance costs. The bill was supported by the natural gas industry as well as by soybean producers and the biodiesel industry.

Funds invested by the United Soybean Board and state soybean checkoff boards have helped to commercialize biodiesel in the United States. Soybean producer checkoff funds also support the work of the National Biodiesel Board that is marketing biodiesel.