More than 20 members of Congress across 12 states are pushing for an immediate extension of the expired tax incentive for domestic biodiesel production.
In a letter to U.S. Reps. Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House; Kevin McCarthy, House minority leader; Richard Neal, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means; and Kevin Brady, ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means, the bipartisan members of congress wrote, “By nearly every measure, the story of American biodiesel has been one of success. Biodiesel and renewable diesel represent a sustainable and alternative fuel source that reduces greenhouse-gas emissions and supports thousands of green jobs across the country. For these reasons, the tax incentive has a long history of bipartisan support.”
The letter also points out that biodiesel production is responsible for more than 60,000 jobs across the country and generates more than $12 billion in domestic spending.
“Increasing the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel has an important impact on both environmental and public health,” continued the representatives, led by U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.; Cheri Bustos, R-Ill.; and Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa. “In fact, biodiesel is labeled a Clean Air Choice by the American Lung Association because its use can reduce overall health costs by lowering the risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases, which disproportionately affect communities of color.”
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is applauding the effort of the lawmakers.
“On behalf of NBB and its members across the country, thank you to Reps. DeLauro, Bustos and Loebsack for conveying to House leaders the urgency of renewing the biodiesel tax incentive,” states Kurt Kovarik, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs. “Biodiesel producers are looking for an immediate resolution to the uncertainty they’ve faced since the start of 2018. The industry needs policy certainty to meet the nation’s goals for low-carbon fuels, green jobs and cleaner air.”
The full letter can be read here.
