The U.S. biodiesel tax incentive is working as intended to create jobs across the country and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. That was the message in testimony submitted by the National Biodiesel Board Thursday to the House Ways and Means Committee. NBB vice president of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel says – while we understand the pressures facing Congress, this is the wrong time to pull support from a growing American industry that is a rare bright spot in this economy. The biodiesel industry is having a record year and stripping the incentive away this year would put thousands of jobs in jeopardy.

Steckel’s written testimony noted that without the incentive, production dropped dramatically last year as dozens of plants shuttered and thousands of people lost jobs. Since its reinstatement this year, biodiesel production is thriving, with plants ramping up production again and hiring new employees.

A recent economic study conducted by Cardno-Entrix states that – this year’s increased production of at least 800 million gallons will support more than 31-thousand jobs while generating at least 3-billion dollars in GDP and 628-million in federal, state and local tax revenues. Steckel says – we believe the U.S. biodiesel industry offers a clear and compelling case that strong domestic energy policy can boost this economy.