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Truckers support biodiesel in Va.

11.01.05

RICHMOND, Va. — As prices at the pump continue to hover in the high-$2 range or higher, renewable fuels are looking better and better.
The American Trucking Association is the latest group to throw support behind biodiesel, endorsing in October an energy resolution that includes promoting low blends of the fuel as part of their efforts to help shape a strong national energy plan.
The resolution, sanctioned by the ATA’s board at their annual Management Conference and Exhibition in Boston, seeks to increase the diesel fuel supply; improve the balance between environmental concerns and fuel efficiency; and “promote biodiesel use” of up to 5 percent (B5). The resolution says biodiesel “may be an effective means to extend the supply of diesel fuel.”
Rich Moskowitz, ATA regulatory affairs counsel, said the organization “is proud to endorse the use of biodiesel in blends of up to 5 percent. It fits in with our mission of ensuring an adequate diesel fuel supply—something important to the trucking industry. Promoting B5 is a step in the right direction.”
The ATA’s resolution comes on the heels of congressional passage of the Renewable Fuels Standard. The standard, supported by Farm Bureau, requires that by August 2006, 2.76 percent of the U.S. fuel supply consist of ethanol and biodiesel. That amounts to about 4 billion gallons of renewable fuels in the national fuel supply. That amount will grow over the next seven years until it reaches 7.5 billion gallons in 2012. By then, the use of renewable fuels will replace demand for 80,000 barrels of oil per day, according to the Energy Department.
“We are glad to see the ATA has joined the long list of those who see the tremendous benefits in the use of biodiesel,” said Andrew Smith, senior assistant director of governmental relations at Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “This fuel source can make a true difference on the supply demands while it helps fuel the farm economy as well.”
Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel that can be made from any fat or vegetable oil, such as soybean oil, and works in any diesel engine. It can be blended with petroleum diesel at any level. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics—plus using it reduces demand for imported oil, and producing it creates jobs and boosts farm income.
“If every rig in the country was fueled on just 2 percent soy biodiesel, the market for soybeans would increase by about 450 million bushels annually,” Smith said.
Virginia Tech to offer new ag degree in 2006

BLACKSBURG, Va. —Virginia Tech has a new undergraduate program specifically for students interested in becoming agricultural education teachers, Extension agents and other agricultural leaders.
In the spring 2006 semester, the school’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will offer an agricultural sciences major that will educate students in agricultural disciplines such as business, training, education, Extension and international programs.
“I believe the proposed degree will allow students to prepare to be more flexible in their future careers,” said Andrew Smith, a Virginia Tech graduate and senior assistant director of governmental relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “The opportunity for students working with their advisors to lay out a program of study that gives them a broader background will benefit them, their employers and ultimately the industry of agriculture.”
The new degree was approved by the State Council of Higher Education in September. The new degree also will allow students to obtain the competencies necessary to become teachers of agricultural education, said John Hillison, head of the department.