In order to avoid further disruption to an emerging American industry that’s creating jobs and diversifying the nation’s energy supplies – the National Biodiesel Board is calling on Congress to reinstate the biodiesel tax incentive. NBB Vice President Anne Steckel – in written testimony submitted to a House Ways and Means Subcommittee – emphasized that the biodiesel industry achieved record production of nearly 1.1-billion gallons last year before the per-gallon tax incentive expired on December 31st. To prevent a drop in production and potential layoffs – she urged lawmakers to pass an extension of the incentive as quickly as possible.

According to Steckel – new energy industries need support in the early stages. She says every energy sector up to now has had that support – and if the U.S. wants to diversify its energy supplies and gain the resulting benefits in terms of jobs, energy security and the environment – investments need to continue.