Shaheen Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Support Biodiesel Industry to Lower Carbon Emissions & Bolster U.S. Energy Independence

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced legislation with a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to support the biodiesel industry and strengthen America’s energy independence. The bipartisan Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2021 would extend the current federal biodiesel tax credit program through 2025. 

In 2005, Congress created the biodiesel tax incentive. As a result of this incentive, the Renewable Fuel Standard, and consumer interest, biodiesel is providing significant benefits to the nation. Domestic biodiesel production supports tens of thousands of jobs. Replacing traditional diesel with biodiesel reduces emissions and creates cleaner air. Homegrown biodiesel improves U.S. energy security by diversifying transportation and home heating fuels and reducing dependence on foreign oil. Biodiesel itself is a diverse fuel that can be produced from a wide array of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean and other plant oils and animal fats. 

“Biodiesel fuel reduces harmful carbon emissions, bolsters our nation’s energy independence and supports more than 60,000 jobs across the country, including here in New Hampshire,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m pleased to join Senators Grassley and Cantwell in introducing legislation that would extend the biodiesel tax credit and ensure this fuel continues to play an important role in meeting America’s energy needs of today and tomorrow.” 

Joining Shaheen, Grassley and Cantwell in introducing the legislation are Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Tina Smith (D-MN).