The National Biodiesel Board announced a new goal Tuesday during the Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas: 10% of the on-road diesel market by 2022.

"It is not about replacing every drop of petroleum; it is about continuing to diversify transportation energy so we can meet our needs affordably and sustainably," said National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe. "Biodiesel will play an increasing role to help protect fuel consumers and the U.S. economy from unstable energy markets that are grossly distorted by political factors in the most politically unstable region in the world and by nationalized oil companies of totalitarian regimes."  

Eight years ago, NBB set a goal to be 5% of the diesel fuel supply by 2015, a goal then viewed as aggressive. With a billion gallons produced in 2011 and 2012, the biodiesel industry is well on its way to achieve that goal and possibly hit it earlier than expected, says the NBB.

"No one could have predicted the changes and challenges of this industry, but we have been deliberate and intentional as we map our potential," Jobe continued. "This year, biodiesel marks 20 years for the trade association, 10 years for the conference and lays out the vision for the next ten years to come." 

The goal is intended to be a stretch but yet attainable, says the NBB.

The NBB is getting help from the Diesel Technology Forum, which is participating in the Biodesel Conference. In 2012, the National Biodiesel Board joined the DTF as an Allied Member.

“Clean diesel vehicle and equipment manufacturers and biodiesel producers share a future destiny – all which is linked to the diesel engine," explained Ezra Finkin, DTF’s director of policy and external relations. "Billions of dollars has been invested in research to advance diesel technology, meet customer demand and achieve EPA’s near zero emissions standards. Biodiesel producers have made similar investments anticipating a future with expanded use of domestically produced biofuels in diesel engines of all kinds."

“Advancements in biodiesel refining and record production last year along with a great interest in second generation renewable fuels are all exciting topics at this gathering," Finkin said. "There is no question that the use of high quality renewable biofuels will help assure that diesel can compete alongside natural gas, ethanol, or electricity.

"To be successful, however, we must work together to ensure that car and truck owners and  all users of biodiesel fuels have a positive experience, within the manufacturers' recommendations on fuel specifications."