National Biodiesel Conference

The National Biodiesel Conference is taking place in Grapevine, Texas this week . . .

There was a recent White House’s announcement calling for expanded production of biofuels (36 billion gallons by 2022 to be exact).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set a new renewable fuel standard, calling for 8.25% of the country's gasoline and diesel sales to be comprised of alternative fuels. The new mandate is likely to drive more biofuel investment in the future.

A system known as the “B” factor is often used to state the amount of biodiesel in any fuel mix.  For example fuel containing 20% biodiesel is labeled B20, while pure biodiesel is referred to as B100.

Today, General Motors told biodiesel supporters at the National Biodiesel Conference that the company's 2011 model year Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engines will be fully compatible with a 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20).

GM joins Ford and Chrysler in formalizing its support for B20, providing a big boost to the biodiesel industry. These three companies produce more than 80% of the diesel light vehicles sold in North America.

Enterprise Holdings announced that it will convert its entire fleet of Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental airport shuttle buses to biodiesel by spring of this year. That’s more than 600 buses throughout more than 50 North American markets.