North Columbus News

Representative Mike Carey (OH-15) introduced bipartisan legislation to extend tax incentives encouraging the use of biodiesel. The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24).

“Biodiesel is a homegrown resource that can support our long-term energy independence and support farmers, producers, and energy workers right here in Ohio,” said Carey. “With America’s energy dominance at stake, we’re working across the aisle to strengthen our supply of biodiesel for the years to come.”

“Biodiesels are efficient and competitive alternatives to traditional diesel fuel sources and can play a critical role in accelerating the United States’ transition to a clean, carbon-neutral economy,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Granite Staters are all too familiar with high energy prices, and this bipartisan legislation will help lower costs for small businesses and households across New Hampshire while reducing harmful emissions—a win-win.”

The bill has earned support from several industry organizations including NATSO, SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, National Association of Convenience Stores, American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, Energy Marketers of America, Small Advanced Biofuel Refiners, and National Energy and Fuel Institute.

“Renewable diesel and biodiesel represent a vital component of any sound strategy for lowering transportation sector emissions. Trucks are harder and more expensive to electrify than cars, and while we pursue aspirational goals we still must capitalize on economically viable solutions that help us lower emissions today,” said David Fialkov Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for NATSO and SIGMA. “We commend [Lawmakers] for recognizing the critical role that renewable diesel and biodiesel play in lower fuel costs for consumers by extending the Biodiesel Tax Credit at the blenders’ level. We urge Congress to extend this successful policy as soon as possible.”

“Tax incentives for biodiesel and renewable diesel blending have worked to successfully extend fuel supply and incentivize fuel retailers to invest in low-carbon alternative fuels at a cost that is attractive to consumers,” said Doug Kantor, General Counsel at NACS. “This legislation is key to supporting our industry’s continued investment in advanced renewable fuels.”

“To get to zero emissions, we need more technology-neutral solutions in the immediate term, including alternative fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs. “This legislation would expand access to these low-carbon proven energy sources and dramatically reduce our environmental impact.”

“The U.S. economy depends upon the affordable reliable movement of freight part of that equation includes the ability motor carriers access affordable reliable fuel power their fleets,” said David Heller Senior Vice President Safety Government Affairs Truckload Carriers Association extent lower emissions improve economy trucking industry always initiatives Biodiesel Blenders’ Tax Credit example achieved."

"While industry works develop new clean truck technologies fleets able power commercial vehicles operate nation’s roads sustainable affordable manner," Jim Mullen Executive Director Clean Freight Coalition appreciate lawmakers continuing ensure supply low-carbon fuels reduce trucking’s carbon footprint."

"The National Energy Fuels Institute NEFI applauds introduction Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act 2024 bipartisan bill provide one-year extension existing biodiesel renewable diesel blenders’ tax credit BTC crucial supporting heating oil industry transition renewable liquid heating fuels offer immediate cost-effective equitable path carbon reduction five million American homes serves," NEFI Acting President CEO Jim Collura introduction vital step ensuring stable supply renewable liquid heating fuels broader Northeast where percent home heating oil used Extending BTC provide much-needed certainty mostly small family owned operated heating fuel businesses consumers keep moving forward not backwards ongoing effort reduce building emissions."

Background

Biodiesel is a type of biofuel produced from soybean oil recycled cooking oil animal fats Research EPA indicates emits percent less carbon monoxide particulate matter than diesel nontoxic biodegradable

The biodiesel tax credit refers group incentives included Section Internal Revenue Code

In Ohio alone production supports over jobs contributes more economic activity There two refineries operation statewide both use Ohio-grown soybeans production process Full text available here