Definition

Biodiesel is defied as a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D 6751. This definition comes from common usage and U.S. energy policy and tax laws. . Renewable diesel is diesel fuel derived from biomass as defined in EPAct 2005 Section 45K (C)(3), using the process of thermal depolymerization that meets the following:

• Registration requirements for fuels and chemicals established by the EPA under Section 211 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7454)
• Requirements of the ASTM D975 or D396.

Scope

• The Team will address the current state of production and expected advances in the future.
• Infrastructure and retail distribution will be evaluated including feedstock transportation.
• Blending options and limitations will be considered.
• The Team will use available feedstock studies.

Issues to be addressed

• Current state of biodiesel quality assurance standards and identification of any needed additional standards.
• The Team may produce recommendations for the Farm Bill that they would like the Governors to address before Dec 2007.
• What is the expected progression for commercialization of Renewable Diesel in the U.S.? What will be the relationship with Biodiesel?

Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Team

Meeting Summaries

May 21-22, 2007

Report

Final Working Group Report (January 10, 2008)

Other Documents

Netherlands framework to determine the sustainability of biomass use
ASTM Biodiesel Standard