BDLA was part of the 2022 National Biodiesel Conference “All-In!” and Expo January 17-20 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This was the 30th year for the NBB, the 19th year for the conference, and the second year it has been held in Vegas, appropriately as the industry is coming up in the age of decarbonization with not only biodiesel but also renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
The 2022 National Biodiesel Conference was the last one that will be held going forward with the official name change for the biodiesel board now being Clean Fuels Alliance America, or just Clean Fuels for short. The rebrand to Clean Fuels was done considering renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel in addition to traditional biodiesel.
Among many other different topics, during the conference, the steps taken over the past nearly 30 years were remembered to help bring alternative and renewable fuels including biodiesel to where they are today. It was mentioned that the political environment has changed, but pressure from farm organizations and commodity groups will continue to be important to further grow the industry.
At the National Biodiesel Conference, attendees were introduced to a new book on the history of biodiesel – “The Birth of American Biodiesel: Biographical Accounts Celebrate 30 Years of Pioneers, Leaders and the Bold Vision for the National Biodiesel Board,” by Ron Kotrba.
The latest Short-Term Energy Outlook from the Energy Information predicts growth in biodiesel production through 2022. EIA expects biodiesel production will increase by nearly 4% this year and an additional 6% in 2022, driven largely by increasing RFS targets and the existence of the biodiesel production tax credit through 2022. EIA assumes future RFS targets will primarily affect biomass-based diesel production and net imports, which help to meet multiple RFS targets for biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel as well as California Low Carbon Fuel Standard requirements.
This was the first-ever BDLA participation in this event which is set to be part of the Company’s yearly programming to understand and to have an active role as a member of this community.