The National Renderers Association urged Congressional leaders to extend the biodiesel tax incentive as soon as possible in a joint letter on May 22 from farmers, rural lenders, bio-based oil producers and biodiesel producers.
“America’s farmers and rural communities are facing a mounting economic threat” from low commodity prices and declining farm income, said the agriculture groups. They continued that “Congress can help mitigate the crisis by taking immediate action …to bring an extension of the biodiesel tax incentive up for immediate consideration.” Renewal of this tax credit enjoys support from Senators and Representatives from both sides of the aisle and across the country.
A copy of the full letter is available for download, here.
Biodiesel is made from materials that prominently include recycled cooking oils and animal fats produced by the nation’s rendering industry. Approximately 28 percent of feedstock to produce biodiesel comes from these oils and fats. Renderers reclaim used cooking oil and recycle animal leftovers (after processing) into valuable ingredients to produce biofuel and hundreds of other products. Biodiesel is a sustainable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.
“Extending the biodiesel tax incentive is crucial to encourage continued and growing biodiesel production,” said NRA President Nancy Foster. “By recycling used cooking oils and leftover animal by-products into new ingredients for biodiesel, rendering’s sustainability contributes to the environmental benefits of this valuable fuel.”
