The soybean industry played a major role in the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) membership meeting this week in Washington, D.C. Two primary policy priorities were the focus of the meeting– the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements and the biodiesel tax credit.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator Janet McCabe addressed the group and provided insights into EPA’s process and rationale for the level of biomass-based diesel volumes in their Proposed Rule. EPA proposed 2.1 billion gallons for 2018, while the biodiesel industry and the American Soybean Association (ASA) are urging a level of 2.5 billion gallons.  EPA is accepting public comments on the Proposed Rule and ASA urges all members and stakeholders to submit comments.

The biodiesel tax credit was the focus during visits with members of Congress and their staff. House members and Senators were urged to co-sponsor legislation in each chamber to extend the biodiesel tax credit for three years and restructure it from a blender’s credit to a producer’s credit.  The House bill (H.R. 5240) was introduced by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) and the Senate version will be introduced by Sen. Grassley (R-IA).

Mike Cunningham, the ASA representative to NBB and an NBB Governing Board member, attended the meeting, along with ASA Washington staff, numerous soybean farmer leaders and state soybean staff.

ASA will continue our advocacy on these important biodiesel priorities and will reinforce the message with Members of Congress during the upcoming ASA Board Meeting and Hill visits in Washington, D.C. July 11-13.