Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: National Biodiesel Education Program Elevates America's Advanced Biofuel Today a wide majority of voters nationwide (80%) are aware of biodiesel, more than four times as many as when the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program began. What’s more, a majority say they feel favorably towards biodiesel. In 2004, U.S. plants produced 25 million gallons of biodiesel. By 2012 that number had skyrocketed to nearly 1.3 billion gallons. An important component to biodiesel’s ascent as a sustainable, commercially viable renewable energy source is the USDA Biodiesel Education Program. The program provides a valuable opportunity to help steer America away from foreign oil and toward American agriculture as a flourishing source of energy. Biodiesel can play a major role in expanding domestic refining capacity and reducing our reliance on foreign oil. Biodiesel produced in the U.S. in 2012 displaced the equivalent of nearly 75 million barrels of crude oil. Through the USDA program, the National Biodiesel Board and the University of Idaho have been successful at increasing availability, growing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support and broadening public awareness. Biodiesel's presence in modern communications tools (check out YouTube and Facebook) is just a small part of an all-inclusive education campaign. The continuous effort not only boasts the largest technical library in the world, but also offers direct outreach to OEMs, dealers, mechanics, safety experts, fuel distributors, health professionals, and community leaders among countless others. Since the program began, the number of distributors carrying biodiesel has grown from 800 to more than 1,900. More than 150 terminals also carry biodiesel, which is important to biodiesel’s increasing presence in the nation’s sophisticated energy infrastructure. Retailers carrying labeled biodiesel blends (over 6 percent biodiesel) have grown three times over.Plus thousands of terminals and distributors are blending biodiesel in low levels to take advantage of favorable blend economics and to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard. Market outreach, industry coordination, fleet and trucker outreach, petroleum supply chain education and biodiesel research, all supported by the National Biodiesel Education Program, have laid the foundation for this growth and continued future success. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Biodiesel Triggers Research, Innovation Successful growth in biodiesel is driving innovation in plant science research. Results include agricultural technology advancements, improved plant yields, and ground breaking investigation into promising new raw materials including algae and camelina. The Biodiesel Education Program supports industry priorities for expanding the supply of oils and fats for biodiesel production. Scientific and agricultural advances have worked in tandem to provide a renewable, sustainable energy resource. At the University of Idaho, researchers are constantly updating the life cycle analysis calculations needed to quantify CO2 reductions associated with biodiesel. Biodiesel Powers America's Trucks, Fleets and Equipment USDA's Biodiesel Education Program facilitates a nationwide effort to educate fuel decision makers and increase biodiesel use to reduce negative environmental impact and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. The program has a strong emphasis on education and coordination with the petroleum industry, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the trucking industry. The program links a virtual pipeline of biodiesel stakeholders, partners, and collaborators to effectively deliver high-quality, consistent, and accurate information across the nation. Blends of B20 or higher are now accepted by more than 30 OEMs, compared to only 2 manufacturers supporting up to B5 at the start of the OEM Outreach Program in 2005. The 2014 Chevy Cruze was also launched with B20 support. In 2009, Ford announced full B20 approval in its 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel pickups. Companies supporting B20 now include, among others, some Chrysler and GM models, Case IH, Case Construction, Caterpillar, Cummins, International/Navistar, John Deere, New Holland, Arctic Cat, Buhler, Fairbanks Morse, Hayes Diversified Technologies, Perkins, TomCar, Toro and Valtra. Conversations and biodiesel training sessions continue with Ford, GM, Volkswagen and Chrysler, as well as numerous manufacturers new to the U.S. diesel market, to ensure OEMs recognize the importance of biodiesel compatibility, and embrace the concept of biodiesel approval as a marketing tool as demand for green vehicles grows. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? National Biodiesel Conference and Expo State and National trade shows and expositions National technical conferences Industry Coordination Web sites and social media outlets Webinars Industry stakeholder engagement OEM (original equipment manufacturers) Feedstock research and development Industry niche development – Bioheat Industry Communication Industry stakeholder outreach Dealer education Customer education What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
National Biodiesel Education Program Elevates America's Advanced Biofuel Today a wide majority of voters nationwide (80%) are aware of biodiesel, more than four times as many as when the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program began. What’s more, a majority say they feel favorably towards biodiesel. In 2004, U.S. plants produced 25 million gallons of biodiesel. By 2012 that number had skyrocketed to nearly 1.3 billion gallons. An important component to biodiesel’s ascent as a sustainable, commercially viable renewable energy source is the USDA Biodiesel Education Program. Biodiesel's presence in modern communications tools (check out YouTube and Facebook) is just a small part of an all-inclusive education campaign. The continuous effort not only boasts the largest technical library in the world, but also offers direct outreach to OEMs, dealers, mechanics, safety experts, fuel distributors, health professionals, and community leaders among countless others. Since the program began, the number of distributors carrying biodiesel has grown from 800 to more than 1,900. More than 150 terminals also carry biodiesel, which is important to biodiesel’s increasing presence in the nation’s sophisticated energy infrastructure. Retailers carrying labeled biodiesel blends (over 6 percent biodiesel) have grown three times over.Plus thousands of terminals and distributors are blending biodiesel in low levels to take advantage of favorable blend economics and to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard. Market outreach, industry coordination, fleet and trucker outreach, petroleum supply chain education and biodiesel research, all supported by the National Biodiesel Education Program, have laid the foundation for this growth and continued future success. Biodiesel Supports America's Economy and its Environment By 2008 biodiesel had become a success story of innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The industry delivered what it promised. In 2008 the U.S. biodiesel industry supported 51,893 jobs in all sectors of the economy. This added $4.287 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generated $866.2 million in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments. Today that story continues to unfold with new jobs and ever-increasing technology developments. Biodiesel is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach 1 billion gallons of production. It is an environmentally safe fuel and among the most viable transportation fuels when measuring its carbon footprint, life cycle and energy balance. Studies completed by the University of Idaho and USDA show that biodiesel creates 5.5 units of energy for every unit of energy required to produce the fuel. Biodiesel Offers Sustainable Energy Today Biodiesel is among the most diverse fuels imaginable. Biodiesel is the only fuel commercially available today that meets the federal government's definition of an advanced biofuel. The biodiesel industry is built on sustainable practices in the production of a fuel that studies have demonstrated lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Reports from the National Institute of Science and Technology and NREL have noted that as raw materials to make biodiesel (such as soybeans) grow, carbon is removed from the atmosphere. Biodiesel from soybean oil is also a net positive to the food supply and environment, and it remains critical that data is current, available and accessible to confirm these benefits. Biodiesel is a working part of the solution to our energy needs today, and the USDA Biodiesel Education Program is helping move valuable information into the public arena. Biodiesel Meets the Toughest Fuel Standards The Biodiesel Education Program provides technical assistance to fuel producers and marketers to ensure that biodiesel sold to consumers is of the highest quality. The program supports and promotes the BQ-9000 Quality certification program. Today there are 23 certified marketers, 46 certified producers and 11 certified labs representing more than 85 percent of the market. The University of Idaho offers workshops, short courses, and individual phone/email assistance to producers to inform them about technical innovations and the need for continuous improvement in production quality. Forty eight states have officially adopted ASTM D-6751, up from just 27 when the Biodiesel Education program began, and NBB has worked with each state on fuel quality enforcement. This fuel quality program has been dramatically successful at increasing the adopting of standards and monitoring of fuel quality nationwide. Biodiesel Welcomed as Alternative More Than Just on Road Biodiesel has long been known as a reliable fuel alternative for on and off road diesel engines, but home owners can take advantage of the same benefits. USDA's partnership is helping to develop and expand new opportunities for biodiesel use as a home heating fuel. Bioheat™ fuel, which is biodiesel blended with heating oil, is a seamless and simple way for homeowners to reduce the carbon output from heating their homes. A new bioheatonline.com website with resources for both homeowners and petroleum marketers is helping make a name for Bioheat home heating oil as an alternative energy. Hundreds of fuel dealers have registered to use the Bioheat trademark. When the program began, there were just six Bioheat dealers. The NBB’s petroleum outreach has continued to foster interest with fuel handlers nationwide. The efforts to work cooperatively with the Petroleum Marketers Association of America, International Liquid Terminals Association and the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers have allowed us the opportunity to educate various links in the petroleum supply chain on the key quality, handling, and infrastructure information that marketers need to know. In addition biodiesel is as a safer, cleaner way to operate boats for recreation and business purposes. Well-known fleets using biodiesel aren’t just on the ground – they are in the water. The Red and White Ferries in San Francisco are helping to make biodiesel the new standard for water transportation. Expanded access to the fuel from distributors and marinas continues to offer opportunities for growth. Biodiesel Fuels America's Future In addition to helping meet the federal renewable fuels standard, industry goals for biodiesel call for biodiesel to be viewed as an integral component of a national energy policy that increasingly relies on clean, domestic, renewable fuels. The Biodiesel Education program presents a vital opportunity to help steer America away from foreign oil and toward a flourishing source of American-made energy. The National Biodiesel Board is constantly building on the program's success as it strives for biodiesel to replace 10 percent of diesel demand by 2022. Positive market dynamics and continued support from the USDA Biodiesel Education Program remain critical to meeting this goal and helping biodiesel remain a part of America's energy future. That future is here now. Biodiesel is the only advanced biofuel, as defined by the RFS-2, commercially available nationwide today. It is not only the next generation biofuel; it is the every-generation biofuel. With continued support, it will thrive, delivering the economic, environmental and energy security benefits the nation truly needs.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project Summary 2011 saw one of the most dramatic comebacks of an industry in recent history. After production volumes dropped by more than half over the last 2 years, the biodiesel industry pulled itself up to over 300 percent growth in a single year - and its first 1 billion gallon year ever. In an otherwise sluggish economy, the biodiesel industry was a bright spot, adding tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the economy. In fact, according to a recent study conducted by Cardno ENTRIX, an international economics consulting firm, last year biodiesel production supported: -more than 39,000 jobs, and -$3.8 billion in GDP. The federal Renewable Fuels Standard demonstrated last year that this piece of energy policy can work at doing what Congress intended, which is to draw renewable fuels into the market. The RFS has created a predictable, stable and sustainable future for this industry. It will attract investments in technology, plant science and all manners of efficiencies as the industry matures. The RFS is a powerful piece of energy policy that has shown viability, but we also know that it is still new and vulnerable to attack. Therefore the National Biodiesel Board is committed to the success of the RFS as our top priority. That means everything we do, and virtually all the resources at our disposal need to be deployed in a way that is supportive of that objective. PARTICIPANTS: -Staff of the National Biodiesel Board -Enersol Resources, Dr. Richard Nelson -High 5 Communications, Darrren Heckman -MARC-IV, Steve Howell -ASG Renaissance, Jennifer Weaver -Advanced Fuel Solutions (The Nazzaro Group), Paul Nazzaro -Dewey Square Group, LLC, Craig Sutherland Full project reports (3) are submitted to Jim Duffield (USDA) outlining project details including individuals, partner organizations, collaborators, contacts, training or professional development and publications. TARGET AUDIENCES: -Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) outreach; Ford, GM and Chrysler among others. ---More than 60% of all diesel manufacturers in the US support B20 or higher blends in at least some of their equipment. -The heating oil marketplace and our Bioheat programs -Sustainability programs target entities impacting GHG emission modeling, lifecyle models, accounting processes, indirect impacts such as tropical deforestation, academic institutions and more. -Communications to a national audience of biodiesel stakeholders: media, consumers, social networks, Clean City Organizations, USDA Cooperative Extension offices and more. -Coordination engages industry stakeholders such as OEMs, petroleum companies, biodiesel producers, regional biodiesel organizations and more. This project is responsible in large part to the execution of NBBs annual education conference. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Through the following efforts, the National Biodiesel Board will continue to help steer America away from foreign oil and toward American agricultural co-products and byproducts as a flourishing source of energy. Below is a summary of the work that was funded in year 4 of this program. The specific projects are: -Cooperative Extension -Industry Communications -Industry Coordination -OEM HQ Outreach -Sustainability Analysis -Sustainability Awareness -Bioheat Consumer Outreach and Education -Bioheat Distributor Outreach and Education -National Energy Initiatives, Technical and Economic Behind the frontlines, what ensures this public policy will succeed is education. The USDA Biodiesel Education program has been integral to that effort, providing valuable resources to help establish biodiesel acceptance and understanding. Here are some examples of NBB's 2011-2012 progress in areas that directly or indirectly support the longevity of the RFS: -The latest public opinion research shows 85 percent of voters say they are aware of biodiesel, with 86% having a "positive impression" or "no opinion" on it. Only 3% have a negative impression. -More than 60% of U.S. manufacturers support the use of B20 or higher blends in at least some of their equipment, including nearly all of the medium duty truck market thanks to new B20 announcements in 2011 and continued vocal support from companies such as Ford, General Motors, Cummins, Hino, Isuzu, International and others. -More than 350 oilheat dealers are now registered as Bioheat dealers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. This is a 150 percent increase from November 2011. Bioheat has given biodiesel important visibility and generates excitement in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, as well as provide a valuable winter market. -The sustainability team, working with Purdue University, greatly improved quantification of biodiesel's demonstrated impact on indirect land use change. Significant improvements were made to the model for vegetable oil trade by including the trade of protein meal. This correction in the model resulted in reducing predicted land use change by 80 percent. -NBB's establishment of a RIN Integrity Task Force, working with the petroleum industry and all levels of stakeholders, to ensure a workable RIN trading system.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: BIODIESEL FUELS AMERICA'S FUTURE In addition to helping meet the federal renewable fuels standard, industry goals call for biodiesel to be viewed as an integral component of a national energy policy that increasingly relies on clean, domestic, renewable fuels. The Biodiesel Education program presents a vital opportunity to help steer America away from foreign oil and toward a flourishing source of American-made energy. The National Biodiesel Board is constantly building on the program's success as it strives for biodiesel to replace 5 percent of diesel demand by 2015. Positive market dynamics and continued support from the USDA Biodiesel Education Program remain critical to meeting this goal and helping biodiesel remain a part of America's energy future. That future is here now. Biodiesel is the only advanced biofuel, as defined by the RFS2, commercially available today. It is not only the next generation biofuel; it is the every-generation bio-fuel. With continued support, it will continue to thrive, delivering the economic, environmental and energy security benefits. Biodiesel is the only fuel commercially available today that meets the EPA's definition of an Advanced Biofuel. The biodiesel industry is built on sustainable practices in the production of a fuel that studies have demonstrated lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Reports from the National Institute of Science and Technology and the National Renewable Energy Lab have noted that as raw materials to make biodiesel (such as soybeans) grow, carbon is removed from the atmosphere. Biodiesel from soybean oil is also a net positive to the food supply and environment. Biodiesel is a working part of the solution to our energy needs today, and the USDA Biodiesel Education Program has helped get valuable information into the public arena. To help Americans learn more about one of the fastest growing alternative fuels made right here at home while making our environment cleaner and helping to grow the economy, the National Biodiesel Board launched a Web site focused on biodiesel and sustainability www.biodieselsustainability.org. PARTICIPANTS: This information is submitted in report form, webinar form, face-to-face and during annual conferences and other board meetings throughout the year. Reports are due each February, June and October. Our annual conference is held every February and board meetings each June and November. A minimum of 25 webinars are held throughout the year; the content and outcomes are outlined in reports and presentations. TARGET AUDIENCES: This information is submitted in report form, webinar form, face-to-face and during annual conferences and other board meetings throughout the year. Reports are due each February, June and October. Our annual conference is held every February and board meetings each June and November. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Following the biodiesel industry's most challenging year to date, in 2011 the industry is experiencing a remarkable turnaround. Many biodiesel plants are operating at or near full capacity, with other idled plants coming back to life. In fact, U.S. biodiesel production reached a new monthly high of 81 million gallons in June, marking a third consecutive month of record production. This revival mostly can be attributed to strong federal policies - the tax incentive and the Renewable Fuels Standard 2 - having their intended success in encouraging demand for domestic, renewable energy. This is displacing foreign oil and creating economic activity. The biodiesel industry is expected to support 31,000 jobs in 2011. Behind the scenes, what ensures that this public policy succeeds is education. These policies are working because the National Biodiesel Board has helped the industry overcome barriers and develop market opportunities. The USDA Biodiesel Education program has been integral to that effort, providing valuable resources to help establish biodiesel acceptance and understanding. An example of an NBB program area working to support federal policy is NBB's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) outreach. After years of working with the OEMs, NBB's program has helped secure acceptance for B20 from Detroit's Big Three automakers (Ford, General Motors and Chrysler), among others. Now more than 60 percent of all the diesel equipment manufacturers in the U.S. support B20 or higher blends in at least some of their equipment. By generating positive statements of acceptance from these automakers, we have removed a barrier that could have threatened the success of the RFS2. Other ongoing efforts remain critical to preserving and growing biodiesel, America's Advanced Biofuel, as a long-term part of the fuel supply. Those efforts include Bioheat Outreach, Sustainability, and Communications. Through the following efforts, the National Biodiesel Board will continue to help steer America away from foreign oil and toward American agricultural co-products and byproducts as a flourishing source of energy. Below is a summary of the work that will is funded by this program. The specific projects are: -Sustainability Analysis and Awareness -Industry Communication -Industry Coordination -Bioheat Distributor Outreach -Bioheat Consumer Outreach -National Energy Initiatives - Technical & Education -OEM Headquarter Education
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Biodiesel Education program presents a vital opportunity to help steer America away from foreign oil and toward American agriculture and resources as a flourishing source of energy. The biodiesel industry faces many threats, from a flailing economy, to low oil prices, to stalled federal programs that would have otherwise provided a much needed lifeline. The National Biodiesel Board, in year 2 of the current Biodiesel Education Program, focused on removing barriers to future growth. This includes continuing to work with Original Equipment Manufacturers on B20 acceptance, educating petroleum distributors on biodiesel best practices to encourage more biodiesel at the terminal level, media communications and raising awareness about how biodiesel contributes to society in a fully sustainable manner, and feedstock development to ensure thriving sources of material for this diverse fuel. All of these efforts will be conducted within the framework of the NBB's most critical role - that of coordinating the industry and keeping all boats rowing in the same direction. It is a core function of the NBB to keep its members and other industry stakeholders coordinated and striving to reach goals for the greater good of biodiesel. The flow of information between biodiesel producers, farmers, government, the scientific community and other key stakeholders keeps the industry moving in a common direction, which will ultimately help the industry achieve its "5x15" target (displacing 5 percent of the diesel fuel market with biodiesel by 2015). The NBB will continue to serve as the central entity coordinating national biodiesel activity, including research and development, as well as determining the industry's priorities in these areas. This project will provide resources to address these important inquiries and ensure that the National Biodiesel Board continues to be the central entity providing support for biodiesel programs nationwide. It also assists in ensuring NBB has the resources necessary to continue filling many of its key functions, including organizing the annual conference, board meetings, the Technical Workshop and speaking or exhibiting at industry tradeshows and meetings. As biodiesel becomes more successful, it is coming under increasing attack. Opponents of biodiesel seek to raise doubt among consumers and policy makers by falsely accusing biodiesel of being unsustainable. While science does not support the accusations, the misinformation on biodiesel's impact on the food supply and indirect land use change has permeated common beliefs and severely threatens the well-being of the biodiesel industry. NBB's Sustainability Awareness project will strengthen the public perception by sharing science-based information on the alternative fuel with the public. Areas of concentration include: Lifecycle Analysis, Land Use, Food and Fuel and Water Use. Other programs include: Petroleum Terminal Education & Outreach, OEM Headquarter Education & Outreach and Feedstock Development Program. PARTICIPANTS: NBB: Joe Jobe, CEO, Donnell Rehagen, COO, April Yaeger, CFO, Tom Verry, Director of Outreach and Development, Doug Whitehead, DOO, Jessica Robinson, Director of Communications, Don Scott, Sustainability Director, Scott Tremain, IT Director, Bev Thessen, Information Coordinator, Steve Howell, Technical Director. Contractors: Marc IV, AFS, ASG, SESI, Dewey Square Group, Centrec, IHS Global Insight, Jefferson Institute, KCE Communications, Moore Information, Rose Media and others. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project will be biodiesel producers, distributors, consumers and the general public who wish to learn more about biodiesel. Information will be provided via phone requests, media placements, Web site information and the 2010 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. In addition, industry members will participate in the coordination and prioritization of efforts needed to move the industry forward by creating a level of understanding and acceptance among the other industry stakeholders. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major changes. Thank you!
Impacts
Media and Public Outreach: Arranged for and participated in interviews and media contacts with: S. Heather Duncan, Environment/Projects Reporter/The Macon Telegraph (GA); Jeff Nally/Cromwell Ag Group; GREAT Talk Radio Network Station; arranged for Joe Jobe interview on AgriTalk; Jack Smith/Ft. Worth Star Telegram; Beth Kasper/Statesman Journal (OR); Maria/KMBC (KC, NBC); Fleets and Fuels; USA Today/Biodiesel Day; Gary Dee/Arkansas Radio Network; Dale Minyo/Ohio Ag Net; Chuck Zimmerman/Ag Wired; Minnesota Farmers Weekly; Mike Fyneman/Biofuels Journal; Ron Kotbra/Biodiesel Magazine; Joe/Atlanta Constitution Journal Submitted content and photos to Work Truck Magazine for comprehensive article on Biodiesel and new engine technology for upcoming issue. The article included that Briggs & Stratton/Ferris announced approval of B20 in 500z turn mowers. Monitored daily news clips, assembling highlights for NBB members and stakeholders, forwarding specific coverage to select staff members and industry experts, and responding as needed to various articles and biodiesel coverage. Facilitated NBB participation in National Association of Farm Broadcasters Washington Watch. Assembled in-depth information for Peter A. Buxbaum/Military Logistics Forum. MLF is the publication of record for the military logistics community. According to the company they detail every aspect of the supply chain from contracting and acquisition, development, life cycle management, reset and recap, asset management, and process improvement from factory to fort and beyond. Congress, senior Pentagon leadership, the service's logistics communities and the logistician in theater all turn to MLF. Arranged interview for Joe with Gary DeGuiseppe/Arkansas Radio Network (36 stations) and for Steve Howell with Brian Davis/Biofuels International. Developed partnership with Jacobson Publishing to include the B100 prices in NBB daily news clips. Successfully worked with OPIS to secure article revision to correctly differentiate biodiesel and renewable diesel. The publication has repeatedly used the words interchangeably despite their actual definitions. This important discussion is expected to improve future coverage. edited and reviewed release Professor Ramon Gonzalez Honored with 2010 Glycerine Innovation Award, the annual Award is presented by Soap and Detergent Association and the National Biodiesel Board. Work with DC office to design and execute communications plan for RFS2 information. The EPA's rule will have a significant impact on the biodiesel industry and providing accurate information and guidance will help ensure a smooth implementation for the industry. Designed communications/promotions for RFS2 Training. The training is a critical step to ensure the industry is prepared to meet the requirements in RFS2. Considered how best to use advertising opportunities for 2010 funds and 2011 budget request to influence public opinion regarding biodiesel. Distributed Biodiesel Day News Release, posted to web site. Coverage included: KTIC, Milling Journal, USA Today, Hoosier Ag Today, AP, Domestic Fuel, KNEB, Farm Journal.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Biodiesel Education program presents a vital opportunity to help steer America away from foreign oil and toward American agriculture and resources as a flourishing source of energy. While 2008 brought substantial growth to the industry, which sold 700 million gallons of biodiesel, 2009 brought a new set of challenges. The biodiesel industry faces many threats, from a flailing economy, to low oil prices, to stalled federal programs that would have otherwise provided a much needed lifeline. The National Biodiesel Board, in year 2 of the current Biodiesel Education Program, will focus on removing barriers to future growth. This includes continuing to work with Original Equipment Manufacturers on B20 acceptance, educating petroleum distributors on biodiesel best practices to encourage more biodiesel at the terminal level, media communications and raising awareness about how biodiesel contributes to society in a fully sustainable manner, and feedstock development to ensure thriving sources of material for this diverse fuel. All of these efforts will be conducted within the framework of the NBB's most critical role - that of coordinating the industry and keeping all boats rowing in the same direction. It is a core function of the NBB to keep its members and other industry stakeholders coordinated and striving to reach goals for the greater good of biodiesel. The flow of information between biodiesel producers, farmers, government, the scientific community and other key stakeholders keeps the industry moving in a common direction, which will ultimately help the industry achieve its "5x15" target (displacing 5 percent of the diesel fuel market with biodiesel by 2015). The NBB will continue to serve as the central entity coordinating national biodiesel activity, including research and development, as well as determining the industry's priorities in these areas. In addition, the growth of the biodiesel industry has resulted in a high level of requests for information of a technical and regulatory manner. This project will provide resources to address these important inquiries and ensure that the National Biodiesel Board continues to be the central entity providing support for biodiesel programs nationwide. It also assists in ensuring NBB has the resources necessary to continue filling many of its key functions, including organizing the annual conference, board meetings, the Technical Workshop and speaking or exhibiting at industry tradeshows and meetings. Raising awareness, building confidence in biodiesel and promoting its benefits to a national audience is a core function of the NBB. The NBB will continue work to effectively communicate both within the industry and within the media on biodiesel issues. This effort will become increasingly important, especially as we enhance our efforts to meet the industry's 5x15 goal on a rapidly changing energy landscape. Building consumer awareness and confidence in biodiesel while combating misinformation will help grow public support for the fuel. This program is designed to support the overall mission and all projects within NBB's scope through media outreach. PARTICIPANTS: Jessica Robinson, NBB Director of Communications Jenna Rose Higgins, Communications Consultant Karen Coble Edwards, Communications Consultant Clean Cities Coordinators/Organizations Advanced Fuels Solutions, AFS The Jefferson Institute The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center The University of Missouri, Columbia The National Renewable Energy Lab, NREL Not limited to these organizations. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project will be biodiesel producers, distributors, consumers and the general public who wish to learn more about biodiesel. Information will be provided via phone requests, website information and the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. In addition, industry members will participate in the coordination and prioritization of efforts needed to move the industry forward by creating a level of understanding and acceptance among the other industry stakeholders. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.
Impacts
A key milestone in this project is measuring public awareness through public opinion research. A national online survey of 1,598 registered voters found that in August 2009, a wide majority of voters (86%) across the country are aware of biodiesel. By comparison, in July 2008, 69% of consumers were aware of biodiesel. Once again, we find those familiar with biodiesel have a positive impression of the product. Today, 53% of voters have a favorable impression of biodiesel, only 8% have a negative impression, another 32% have no opinion and the remaining 7% are unsure. In July 2008, 44% of American consumers had a positive impression, 9% a negative impression, and the remaining 47% had no opinion or were unsure. The needle is moving in the right direction, however, further research showed that the support is soft, and may not withstand public debate on biofuels, demonstrating the need for continued efforts in this area. NBB and KCE continued to capitalize on the strategy to show scientific support for biodiesel, and created a Scientists for Biodiesel Declaration. These efforts also drew media to the fact that many leaders in the scientific community support biodiesel. Dr. Rob Myers, founder of the Jefferson Institute at the University of Missouri, announced at the opening session of the Biodiesel Conference and Expo in February that he and Donald Danforth Plant Science Center President Roger Beachy would co-chair the "Scientists for Biodiesel" campaign. (Dr. Beachy was recently appointed the Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.) At the end of September, 121 scientists had signed the pledge. The USB-supported Biodiesel Alliance project complemented this effort by identifying 858 scientists who might want to participate as well as receive ongoing scientific information about biodiesel. For example, NBB invited these scientists to participate in an October 14 webinar to inform them of the new energy balance study based on soybean biodiesel.Higgins Rose met with National Renewable Energy Laboratory staff members to share an update on biodiesel activity and sustainability. This included NREL communications staff and Clean Cities staff. Shared copies of Biodiesel Myths: Busted brochure and asked for help in distributing brochure to Clean Cities staff and others. Clean Cities purchased 5,000 of them for distribution to coordinators. This meets the program objective of coordinating with other biodiesel educational or promotional programs, and with Federal, State, and local programs aimed at encouraging biodiesel use, including the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) (Pub. L. 102-468) program for federal fleets.NBB has begun educational session development for National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. NBB distributed one news release regarding Ford's announcement of B20 approval in a new pickup truck. NBB attended an Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Planning Committee meeting. Met with representatives from BOSCH, California Energy Commission, Mass. Port Authority, Renewable Fuels Association, and several Clean Cities Coordinators.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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