Durbin Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Investment in Biodiesel Education

Press Release

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined his colleagues; Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Larry Craig (R-ID), earlier this week in introducing a bill to extend funding for the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program for an additional five years. The 2002 Farm Bill provided the program with $1 million per year; this legislation would double funding and provide the program with $2 million annually.

"Since the The Biodiesel Education Program began in 2004, it has helped increase awareness throughout the industry and among consumers through media outreach, press events and article placement," said Durbin. "By doubling our commitment to funding biodiesel eduacation, we can increase public understanding of biodiesel's benefits and make greater strides toward energy independence."

The Biodiesel Fuel Education Program was established as part of the energy title of the 2002 Farm Bill. The United States Department of Agriculture would house the National Biodiesel Education Program. The purpose of this program is to increase the awareness and ultimately utilization of biodiesel. It provides educational funding to support increased fuel quality measures, increase acceptance of biodiesel by engine manufacturers, vehicle fleet operators, and the general public.

Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Research also documents the fact that the ozone forming potential of the hydrocarbon emissions of pure biodiesel is nearly 50% less than that of petroleum fuel. Pure biodiesel does not contain sulfur and therefore reduces sulfur dioxide exhaust from diesel engines to virtually zero.

Senator Durbin has been a leader in promoting renewable fuels. On June 13, 2007, Durbin introduced the Biodiesel Promotion and Quality Assurance Act that would increase biodiesel production nearly three-fold over current levels, to 1.25 billion gallons in 2012. Additionally, the Administrator of the EPA would have the ability to set future targets. This proposal will effectively ensure that a portion of the renewable fuel that must be blended under the Renewable Fuel Standard is biodiesel.

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