American Soybean Industry partner the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) called on Congress Thursday to reinstate the biodiesel tax incentive to avoid further disruption to an emerging American industry that is creating jobs across the country while diversifying U.S. energy supplies.
In written testimony submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures for a hearing on expiring tax provisions, NBB Vice-President Anne Steckel emphasized that the biodiesel industry achieved record production of nearly 1.1 billion gallons last year before the $1-per-gallon tax incentive expired on Dec. 31.
She urged lawmakers to pass an extension as quickly as possible to prevent a drop in production and potential layoffs.
"This is a bipartisan tax provision that is a proven job-creator and has strong support in Congress," Steckel said. "With petroleum prices where they are now, we shouldn't need any reminders about how important it is to continue developing new American energy sources."
"We hear a lot in Washington about all-of-the-above energy policies, but the reality is that new energy industries need support in the early stages," Steckel added.
"Every energy sector up to now has had that support and we have to continue those investments if we want to diversify our energy supplies and gain all of the resulting benefits in terms of jobs, energy security and the environment."