“I can’t think of anyone who has been more influential in the technical aspects of biodiesel use and the development of biodiesel standards than Steve Howell,” said Teresa Alleman, D02 First Vice-Chair and Quality Specialist at HF Sinclair Midstream. “His tireless efforts, and unique ability to develop a consensus among parties, that are in many cases diametrically opposed, places him in a very special group of people. The Eagle Award is one of the highest honors from ASTM, and this recognition is well-deserved.”

Howell said activity on fuel quality standards for biodiesel blends over B20 (20% biodiesel)—and the research and technical data to support them—is at an all-time high. The recent increase stems from the need to lower the total metals and phosphorus levels in B100 (100% biodiesel) to maintain support for B20 in today’s diesel engines as well as the new aftertreatment systems slated for introduction in 2027.

“Clean Fuels, the national trade association representing biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, heavily invested in the engine testing that provided the data we used to ballot a new low metals grade into ASTM D6751, the standard for biodiesel,” said Howell. “That testing showed B20 with lower metals had no adverse effects on NOx and aftertreatment systems over the full useful life of diesel engines, which is increasing to 435,000 miles.”

Efforts to maximize lifecycle carbon emission reductions using existing diesel equipment is also driving interest in higher biodiesel blends. The latest advancement, an update to the specification for fuel use in marine transportation, now covers biodiesel blends up to B100. ISO 8217:2024 was achieved through extensive collaboration between industry stakeholders and technical experts. Howell said as they continue to secure technical data for higher biodiesel blends, the task force will ballot standards covering up to B100 for all diesel applications.

Contact: Heather Buechter, 479-651-7301, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org

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By adopting the updated spec, ISO aims to facilitate the integration of low-carbon liquid fuels including biodiesel into the marine fuel supply chain, contributing to greater greenhouse gas emissions reductions and supporting efforts to combat climate change.

ISO 8217:2024 ensures that biodiesel blends up to 100% meet rigorous performance standards, maintaining engine efficiency and reliability. The specification addresses critical parameters such as viscosity, flash point, and sulfur content, guaranteeing that biodiesel blends perform on par with conventional marine fuels.

“With the adoption of this updated specification, we are paving the way for higher blends of biodiesel use in marine transportation,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels Alliance America. “Biodiesel offers a viable solution for reducing emissions now while promoting sustainability on a global scale.”

The approval of ISO 8217:2024 is the result of extensive collaboration between industry stakeholders and technical experts to ensure that the spec meets the practical needs of the maritime sector while supporting a changing regulatory environment.

Contact: Heather Buechter, 479-651-7301, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org

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The Clean Fuels Governing Board appointed Courtney Lawrenson, Vice President – Oils and Energy at AGP, as Second Vice-Chair succeeding Gary Louis who recently retired from his role with Seaboard Energy. Lawrenson brings a wealth of expertise as Second Vice-Chair with over a decade of experience in the clean fuels industry, serving as a board member since 2022.

Clean Fuels praised Louis for his years of service to the industry during his tenure as President and CEO of Seaboard Energy and wishes him well in his retirement.

Peter Ostenfeld-Rosenthal, incoming President and CEO at Seaboard Energy, joins the board as a new member filling a void left by Louis’ retirement. Following an impressive career as an oil and gas executive, Ostenfeld-Rosenthal most recently served as Vice President of Operations at Seaboard, where he led a renewable diesel refinery and two biodiesel plants, among other organizational assets. His dedication to building a framework that supports operational excellence will aid in the success of Clean Fuels as the association continues toward its vision of reaching six billion gallons by 2030.

Additionally, Kerry Fogarty, Quality Control Manager at Incobrasa Industries, Ltd. joined the board filling a vacancy left by Danielle Brannen’s resignation. With over 25 years of experience in the soybean crushing industry, Fogarty’s extensive industry knowledge and commitment to biodiesel quality will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s strategic direction and efforts to promote the use of clean fuels.

“We are thrilled to have Courtney step into the role of Second Vice-Chair and welcome Peter and Kerry to our esteemed Governing Board,” said Donnell Rehagen, Clean Fuels CEO. “Their leadership and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to advance the interests of biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.”

In the past eight months, Clean Fuels has also welcomed several new members who share a commitment to sustainable industry growth. These include:

• Alliance Technical Group: With more than 1,400 specialists located in 40-plus offices nationwide, Alliance provides premier technical solutions to support the full spectrum of our customers’ environmental needs.
• North Carolina Soybean Producers Association: The Qualified State Soybean Board to administer soybean checkoff-funded programs in North Carolina.
• Nuseed: A global leader in the development and commercialization of sustainable oilseed crops for renewable fuels.
• PepsiCo: A multinational food and beverage corporation committed to reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable fuel initiatives.
• RenStar, LLC: An innovative company specializing in renewable energy solutions, including biodiesel and renewable diesel.
• RICHARD: The industry leader in the engineering, design, and construction of the largest Renewable Diesel projects in the U.S. to date.
• Westmor Industries: A renowned manufacturer of equipment for the storage, transportation, and distribution of renewable fuels.
• WayTrade: A forward-thinking logistics company dedicated to maximizing the distribution of renewable fuels.

These new members join Clean Fuels at a pivotal time for the industry, as companies continue to search for cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil fuels to decarbonize heavy-duty transportation sectors.

“We are witnessing unprecedented growth driven by increasing awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of our fuels,” remarked Rehagen. “Our Governing Board and our members play a vital role in advocating for policies that support this growth and drive innovation in clean fuel technologies.”

Contact: Heather Buechter, 479-651-7301, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org

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Vergara has an accomplished career in the clean fuels industry with nearly four decades of experience. He currently manages the West Coast office in Sacramento, California, and leads the team responsible for government affairs in all 50 states.

Prior to joining Clean Fuels in 2019, Vergara served as Chief and Assistant Chief in the Industrial Strategies Division and Research Division at the California Air Resources Board (CARB). During his career at CARB, he oversaw key climate change and air quality programs, including the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). He continued that decarbonization strategy with Clean Fuels both as Director of State Regulatory Affairs and then Director of State Governmental Affairs.

Throughout Vergara’s tenure, the state affairs team helped establish and strengthen policies such as California’s LCFS, Oregon’s similar Clean Fuels Program and Washington’s new Clean Fuels Standard.

Highlights include:

• In California, the biodiesel and renewable diesel market has grown from 855M gallons in 2020 to 1.67B gallons in 2022 (on track to reach nearly 1.9B gallons in 2023), a 95% increase; in Oregon, clean fuels have experienced a 30% growth in the same span.
  
• After years of hard work, the state affairs team assisted in establishing the Clean Fuel Standard in Washington state in 2021, which is expected to grow the market for alternative fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel similar to California and Oregon.
  
• There has been tremendous growth in all feedstocks used to produce clean fuels. For example, soy-based biodiesel and renewable diesel grew in California from 3M gallons in 2020 to 247M gallons in 2022 (on track to reach 324M gallons in 2023). Fuels made from used cooking oil, tallow and inedible corn oil have experienced similar growth.

“The talented state affairs team at Clean Fuels continues to work hard to establish similar programs in New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Colorado and other states pursuing transportation decarbonization strategies,” said Vergara. “But it’s not just about low carbon fuel programs; our efforts are multi-pronged, and we continue working hard to deploy/expand Bioheat® fuel use in the Northeast and incentive programs for our fuels in the Midwest.”

Under the direction of Vergara, Trinity Consultants conducted the landmark Health Benefits Study. The research quantified health impacts associated with switching to B100, or 100% biodiesel, from petroleum diesel and confirmed what our industry has known for years – biodiesel has proven positive health benefits.

“Floyd’s leadership and experience has made a tremendous impact on the acceptance and growth of our fuels,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen. “We are fortunate to have had Floyd’s level of commitment to helping states pursue aggressive decarbonization goals and are pleased that he will continue to contribute to our efforts going forward in a senior advisory capacity.”

Vergara said the clean fuels industry has a positive narrative that is unmatched by any other fuel. “I’m proud of and very thankful to Clean Fuels, its members and partner soy associations for what we’ve been able to accomplish with their support at the state level to further that narrative,” he said. “I look forward to seeing even more success as I head into retirement after a long career in the low-carbon fuels space.”

Clean Fuels is pleased to announce that Jeff Earl, Director of State Regulatory Affairs, will assume the position of Director of State Governmental Affairs upon Vergara’s departure. Earl will continue to serve the industry from Clean Fuels Alliance America’s headquarters in Jefferson City, Missouri.

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Clean Fuels Alliance America is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Reed as senior communications manager. Reed will support the implementation of the association’s marketing and communications plan, manage Clean Fuels’ social media channels and coordinate with partner organizations to promote the industry.  

“We are delighted for Katherine to join our team full-time,” said Clean Fuels Director of Communications Heather Buechter. “After providing meeting planning services to Clean Fuels over the past six months, she has become an advocate for our mission. Katherine brings a wealth of experience in creative marketing strategies and public relations, which will be an asset to our growing industry.”

Reed said while creating sustainability for the future is a concept that aligns with her own values, her desire to share the Clean Fuels mission stems from her excitement for the growing industry.

“I’m looking forward to contributing toward the efforts of decarbonization while further developing relationships with Clean Fuels members and stakeholders,” Reed said.

Reed earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and Management from Columbia College. With over 10 years of marketing and communications experience, she most recently served as Director of Communications for Friends of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion. She also spent four years as the Communications Manager for the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

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“Clean Fuels is the leading trade association for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Our board members bring together views and priorities from each part of the clean fuel value chain. The industry is growing rapidly to meet U.S. demand for better, cleaner fuels, and that is generating economic activity and supporting well-paying job opportunities across the country. Our elected board members will help us meet the challenge of supporting growth for every sector of the industry.”

Clean Fuels members voted to fill eight board seats for two-year terms:

• Greg Anderson, Nebraska Soybean Board
• Tim Keaveney, HERO BX
• Courtney Lawrenson, Ag Processing Inc.
• Gary Louis, Seaboard Energy LLC
• Tim Ostrem, South Dakota Soybean Checkoff
• Mike Rath, Darling Ingredients Inc.
• Rob Shaffer, ASA
• Paul Teta, Kolmar Americas, Inc.

Continuing to serve on the board for a second year are:

• Danielle Brannan, New Leaf Biofuel
• Kent Engelbrecht, ADM
• Neville Fernandes, Chevron Renewable Energy Group
• Chris Hill, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
• Ryan Pederson, North Dakota Soybean Council
• Harry Simpson, Crimson Renewable Energy
• Dave Walton, Iowa Soybean Association

The board appointed Mike Rath to serve as Chair, Rob Shaffer as Vice-Chair, Gary Louis as Second Vice-Chair, Ryan Pederson as Treasurer, Paul Teta as Secretary, and Kent Engelbrecht as Past Chair.

Mike Rath, senior vice president with Darling Ingredients and newly appointed Clean Fuels Chair, added, “This is an exciting time for the clean fuels industry. Looking back over the last two decades, the industry has made tremendous strides in introducing new fuels to the U.S. market. Our industry currently meets 5% of the country’s need for heavy-duty on-road transportation fuel. And our growth is accelerating to meet new markets. It’s a privilege to serve the industry and I thank my colleagues for their confidence in the board leadership and support for the association.”

Rehagen noted, “We appreciate the service of our executive committee in representing the interests of the industry. I congratulate all of them on their appointments and look forward to working with them to meet the opportunities ahead.”

Clean Fuels also extended its thanks to retired governing board Chair Chad Stone, from Chevron Renewable Energy Group.

“Our members elected Chad just as we launched our vision to build a 6-bilion-gallon U.S. industry by 2030. He led our organization through its rebranding to represent all of the fuels we produce – biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. And he has left us stronger than ever, as our industry rapidly grows and diversifies to meet demand for better, cleaner fuels. We can’t thank Chad enough for his time, commitment, and advocacy,” said Rehagen.

Contact: Paul Winters, 202-737-8803, pwinters@cleanfuels.org

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Earlier today, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin and other Missouri elected officials and civic leaders joined Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen for a ribbon cutting at the trade association’s headquarters in Jefferson City. Clean Fuels, formerly known as the National Biodiesel Board, recently expanded its brand in recognition of the multiple, rapidly growing clean fuels it represents like biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

“Clean Fuels is an influential and important ally of farmers and entrepreneurs in Missouri and across the Midwest,” Governor Parson said. “We’re proud to have this association right here in Jefferson City, helping to create jobs while ensuring our nation benefits from homegrown fuels that provide energy security and environmental benefits.”

Clean Fuels has been based in Jefferson City since its founding in 1992 and includes over 120 member companies from across the country, including agriculture commodity groups, fuel producers and distributors, and equipment manufacturers.

“Today’s ribbon cutting represents a major milestone for our industry, which began from humble roots 30 years ago and is increasingly playing an essential role in efforts to decarbonize our nation and our world’s fuel supply,” Rehagen said. “Our industry has seen and will continue to see significant growth as the world focuses on clean energy. Our members produce some of the cleanest fuels on the planet and are an integral part of the solution for sustainable energy that’s not only affordable but also scalable and available now. Further, our new name and brand represents the connected energies of our members and positions our industry for a clean fuels future.”

“This year, our industry celebrates its 30th anniversary, and this organizational name change capitalizes on the connected energies of everyone working together toward a clean fuels future,” said Chad Stone of Iowa-based Chevron Renewable Energy Group and chair of the Clean Fuels Governing Board. “Our name reflects the evolution and growth in demand for all of the products we create — biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. This new name will position us for growth in the clean energy ecosystem and continue building on our longtime role as the voice of this industry.”

Made from renewable and recycled sources like soy oil and used cooking oil, the U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Biodiesel and renewable diesel are blended into diesel fuel in Missouri and across the nation, making up about 5% of the nation’s diesel supply — equaling about 3.2 billion gallons of sales in 2021. Not only does the fuel diversify the nation’s oil portfolio, but a recent World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES) study demonstrates that availability of biodiesel and renewable diesel decrease the price of diesel fuel by 4% on average.

In addition to its headquarters in Jefferson City, Clean Fuels has offices in Sacramento, Boston and Washington, D.C. The association educates policymakers, regulators, auto manufacturers, consumers and others about its clean fuels, which are drop-in alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions — 74% on average for 100% biodiesel. These clean fuels are not only good for the environment but better for human health as well.  According to recent research, using biodiesel in place of petroleum diesel could also lead to significant reductions in incidences of cancer and asthma while saving billions in health care costs and lost productivity.

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About Clean Fuels Alliance America

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are better, cleaner fuels that are available now for use in existing engines without modification. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel value chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels Alliance America is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs. Learn more at www.cleanfuels.org.      

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“This year will be critical to have strong leadership guiding our organization as we evolve to showcase all of the fuels we represent,” NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen said. “The country is demanding cleaner burning transportation and home heating fuels to reduce GHG emissions and NBB’s Governing Board will continue to play a critical role in navigating this exciting time for our industry.”

Following a vote by NBB members, the following individuals will serve two-year terms:

• Chad Stone, Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
• Chris Hill, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council
• Dave Walton, Iowa Soybean Association
• Harry Simpson, Crimson Renewable Energy LLC
• Kent Engelbrecht, ADM
• Mike Devine, World Energy
• Ryan Pederson, North Dakota Soybean Council

Greg Anderson, Tom Brooks, Tim Keaveney, Gary Louis, Mike Rath, Rob Shaffer, Robert Stobaugh and Paul Teta remain on the board. The board elected Chad Stone as Chair, Mike Rath as Vice Chair, Rob Shaffer as 2nd Vice Chair, Harry Simpson as Treasurer, and Ryan Pederson as Secretary. Kent Engelbrecht continues his role as Past Chair.

NBB’s membership continues to diversify, with members representing the entire supply chain from feedstock production and processing to market development and fuel supply. The organization will celebrate three decades of success during its 30^th anniversary in 2022 during the National Biodiesel Annual Conference & Expo.

“We’ve accomplished so much thanks to dedicated board members  ̶  thank you doesn’t seem to do it justice,” Rehagen said. “Throughout our organization’s history, we’ve helped the industry overcome challenges and set a path forward toward a strong future. That would not have been possible without the leadership of our board and their ability to represent members’ perspectives from across the country.”

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