TCEQ allows for biodiesel to be blended in any quantity

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has introduced new state guidelines which allow for biodiesel to be blended at any ratio into any compliant fuel. This means former limitations, such as having to use more additives within the biodiesel and producers having to report blending requirements, are now non-existent.

Biodiesel producers have happily accepted the new ruling with Martin Beirne, CEO of Green Earth Fuels of Houston, saying: ‘Our production facility in Houston is poised to meet the growth in demand in the market, and we anticipate customers will be seeing more biodiesel blends available at the pumps.’

Another new benefit for the biodiesel industry in Texas is that producers are exempt from paying the excise tax, even when the biodiesel is blended with conventional diesel.

The state has also changed its tax code in order to make the regulations surrounding biodiesel sales more simple, which it says helps to encourage biodiesel growth in a competitive market.

Jon Scharingson, director of sales and marketing for Texas producer Renewable Energy Group says: ‘Texas is known for allowing the markets to decide winners. These guidelines will open the biodiesel market in Texas to petroleum distributors and refiners who can make biodiesel more widely available to consumers. These changes will make Texas a more favourable market for meeting the RFS2 requirements, which is good for the local economy and supports green collar jobs.’

‘Texas has embraced the importance of biodiesel’s role to create jobs and support America’s energy independence,’ adds National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe. ‘This move recognises biodiesel as the only commercial-scale advanced biofuel available nationwide and reflects biodiesel’s clean air benefits.’