During the annual National Biodiesel Board (NBB) conference this week, former American Soybean Association (ASA) CEO and current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Steve Censky was presented with the Pioneer Award for his role and many years of support for the U.S. biodiesel industry.

As the long-time CEO of ASA, Censky was instrumental in the growth and advancement of biodiesel over the years. ASA, under Censky’s guidance as CEO from 1996 to 2017, played a critical role in passing the biodiesel tax incentive in 2005, and the inclusion of biodiesel in the revised Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) through its national network of farmer leaders and extensive grassroots advocacy power. As USDA Deputy Secretary, Censky continues to provide critical leadership on agricultural policies as he has done throughout his career.

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s Mike Youngerberg, was also recognized by NBB for his years of leadership with the “Eye on Biodiesel” Impact Award. Since 1986, Mike Youngerberg has worked to advance soybean industry priorities as a member of the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association staff. He has a passion for biodiesel and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Biodiesel Council which represents the biodiesel producers and feedstock providers in the State. Youngerberg has served in a critical role in one of the most proactive biodiesel states in the country. In 2002, Minnesota passed landmark legislation requiring that diesel fuel sold in the state contain at least two percent biodiesel. The law was implemented on Sept. 29, 2005, becoming the first state to require biodiesel blends. The program increased to B5 in May 2009, to B10 for the summer months in July 2014, and is scheduled to move to B20 on May 1, 2018.