The House of Representatives is expected to take up the American Workers, State and Business Relief Act of 2010 this week, which includes the biodiesel tax credit, which lapsed Dec. 31, 2009.

The bill, H.R. 4213, was passed by the House and by the Senate in slightly different versions; both provide for a one-year, retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.

According to NATSO's newsletter, the House must now reconcile its version of the bill with the one the Senate passed in March. One unresolved question is how to offset the cost of the tax credits. Congress is considering a number of proposals, including a tax on "carryover interest" affecting primarily hedge funds, or an increase in the oil spill liability trust fund.

The tax incentive is structured in a manner that makes biodiesel's price competitive with conventional diesel fuel in the marketplace.

Congress expects to pass the legislation by the Memorial Day recess.