Our History

Organizational History

NBB Office Based in Jefferson City, Missouri, the National Biodiesel Board is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to coordinating the biodiesel industry and educating the public about the fuel. State soybean commodity groups, who funded several biodiesel research and development programs with checkoff dollars, founded the National Soy Diesel Development Board in 1992. The board changed its name to the National Biodiesel Board in 1994 to reflect the preferred name for the fuel, since it can be made from any fat or vegetable oil. NBB membership is comprised of state, national, and international feedstock and processor organizations; biodiesel suppliers; fuel marketers and distributors; and technology providers.

Membership of the National Biodiesel Board has grown significantly since the organization’s beginning. Starting with seven members in 1992, NBB now counts more than 150 companies as members. These companies vary from Fortune 100 companies to small, family-owned biodiesel production companies. This diverse membership base has provided a strong base for the industry to solicit and gain the support of Congress. With member companies representing nearly all 50 states, biodiesel is definitely a national commodity.

1990

The University of Missouri and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council fund a study to demonstrate the use of soy-based mono-alkyl esters as a diesel fuel replacement..
1992

The National SoyDiesel Development Board was founded by Qualified State Soybean Boards from Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota to coordinate state and national development efforts.
1993

Dozens of biodiesel demonstrations begin, including Lambert International Airport (St. Louis), New Jersey Highway Dept., and US Postal Service.
1994

Recognizing value of diversity, the Board of Directors vote to change the name from the National SoyDiesel Development Board to the National Biodiesel Board.
1996

Two major biodiesel fuel suppliers registered with EPA.
1998

President Clinton signs Executive Order 13101, giving preference to bio-based products for federal government use. Congress approves biodiesel use for compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT).
1999

President Clinton signs Executive Order 13134, calling for the expanded use of bio-based fuels such as biodiesel. The US biodiesel industry produces 500,000 gallons.
2000

Biodiesel becomes the only alternative fuel to successfully complete the EPA’s Tier I and Tier II Health Effects Testing under the Clean Air Act.
2001

The National Biodiesel Accreditation Program (BQ-9000) is established as a cooperative and voluntary program for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel.

The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) buys 1.5 million gallons of B20 for use at government sites throughout the US, marking an increased commitment for government use of biodiesel.
2002

Groundbreaking biodiesel legislation becomes law in Minnesota, requiring the inclusion of 2 percent soy-based biodiesel (B2) into the majority of Minnesota's diesel pool.

The Senate version of the Energy Bill includes the first-ever proposed biodiesel tax incentive, giving the fuel a one-cent exemption per percentage of biodiesel, up to 20 percent.
2003

The National Biodiesel Board prepares for its first ever biodiesel conference and expo, set to take place in Palm Springs, CA in February 2004.
2004

The biodiesel tax incentive is first enacted as part of HR 4250, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.
2005

Minnesota's landmark B2 standard is implemented.

President Bush signs legislation establishing a tax incentive for biodiesel.
2006

The National Biodiesel Board opens its Washington, D.C. office. The office is committed to raising awareness of biodiesel successes, while advancing positive federal energy policy.
2007

The National Biodiesel Board adopts a new board structure to help ensure its ability to speak with one voice. The structure streamlines and clarifies membership categories, guarantees more biodiesel producer seats on the Governing Board, and envisions proportion of producer leaders over time.

The National Biodiesel Board launches its Political Action Committee.

The National Biodiesel Foundation is reestablished and becomes active in developing resources to support the biodiesel industry.

The US biodiesel industry produces 500 million gallons of fuel.
2008

President Bush signs legislation establishing the renewable fuel standard (RFS2) providing a mandate of use of biomass based diesel for obligated parties.

The National Biodiesel Board opens its new "green" headquarters office in Jefferson City, Missouri. The refurbished building offers motion-activated lighting, high-recycled content carpet, skylights, low VOC paint, and solar powered security lighting in the parking lot.

ASTM passes new specification, one that allows for diesel to contain up to B5, and another that sets a new specification for blends of B6 - B20.

The state of Washington begins its B2 state-wide standard.
2009

Pennsylvania biodiesel requirement triggers 2 percent biodiesel in all diesel fuel, to begin January 1, 2010. Oregon B2 standard begins, with an increase to B5 in 2011.
2010

The RFS2 program officially goes into effect. The RFS program sets annual mandates for renewable transportation fuels.

New York City passes a 2 percent Bioheat® mandate. The bill creates a 2 percent biodiesel standard in the city's heating oil beginning in 2012.
2011

The National Biodiesel Board launches the Advanced Biofuel Initiative. US biodiesel is the only commercial-scale advanced biofuel in America, as defined by the EPA.

More than 60 percent of US manufacturers now support B20 or higher blends in at least some of their equipment.

The US biodiesel industry breaks the 1 billion gallons produced mark.
2012

The National Biodiesel Board celebrates its 20th year.
2013

The biodiesel industry set a new production record with nearly 1.8 billion gallons of Advanced Biofuel, exceeding RFS volume requirements for the third year in a row.
2014

Minnesota’s landmark biodiesel standard moves to B10 statewide from April-September, and B5 the remainder of the year.

Rhode Island imple ments B2 mandate for all heating oil throughout the state.
2015

The US market uses a record-breaking 2.1 Billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel in applications from coast-to-coast.
2016

For the first time ever, state biodiesel policies drive demand in excess of one billion gallons.
2017

NBB’s BQ-9000 fuel quality program thrives in the marketplace. Program reaches 50 producers, 45 marketers, and 13 laboratory locations.

New York City’s biodiesel and Bioheat minimum requirements move up to B5 city-wide.

US biodiesel industry files antidumping and countervailing duties on biodiesel imports from Indonesia & Argentina to level the playing field for domestic producers.
2018

The National Biodiesel Board celebrates 25 years of advancing the biodiesel industry.

Discovery Channel features biodiesel in two high profile shows. First, the documentary Hot Grease highlighted biodiesel production and challenges faced by the industry, then the Diesel Brothers unveiled their fully customized, biodiesel powered, Ford F550 Powerstroke diesel in partnership with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.
2019

The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo returns to California for a record fifth visit.

For the third time in four years, NTEA’s Fleet Purchasing Outlook survey named biodiesel as their top alternative fuel choice.