The July/August issue of Biodiesel Magazine is nearly complete, and I would like to share some of its contents with you.

The theme is Distribution Infrastructure, and we’ve got an array of articles hitting that theme from several different angles.

One of my featured articles hones in on expansion of the biodiesel distribution infrastructure. Whether it’s about capturing lucrative RIN values, LCFS credits and tax incentives, or simply meeting growing customer demand for biodiesel, the U.S. fuel distribution infrastructure continues to invest in biodiesel storage and blending equipment. This expansion of midstream biodiesel handling supports domestic biodiesel production growth and increased downstream utilization. Both midstream majors and smaller biodiesel companies looking to get a foothold in the distribution market are spending millions of dollars upgrading terminal locations for biodiesel blending. Biodiesel Magazine speaks with market players on the ground that have recently completed installation of biodiesel storage and blending capabilities to discuss motives, equipment selection and their thoughts on the national picture.

Another featured article of mine looks at changes affected parties wish to see in the EPA’s RIN QAP proposed rule. While wet gallons are handled through the physical distribution infrastructure, corresponding RIN credits must trudge through the U.S. EPA’s RIN quality assurance program. The EPA closed comments on its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in March, and a final rule isn’t expected until later this year. Biodiesel Magazine dissects the nearly 100 comments to explore what changes to the program involved parties are calling for, and what aspects of the NPRM they agree on.

Also this issue we’ve got an industry contribution article from the longest-running commercial biodiesel producer in the Pacific Northwest, SeQuential-Pacific Biodiesel, on expanding biodiesel distribution channels by thinking outside the box. The term “biodiesel distribution infrastructure” likely conjures images of fueling stations dotted along major highways, easy stops for personal vehicles and big-rigs alike. In reality, this infrastructure is far more complex. To effectively market and distribute biodiesel, manufacturers must make use of a variety of channels and market segments. Moreover, a solid understanding of local fuel standards and blending regulations can help reveal additional distribution opportunities. This article looks at a few sometimes overlooked aspects of biodiesel distribution, together all of which contribute to an effective sales and distribution strategy that makes biodiesel more accessible in the fuel industry.

In addition, Scott Fenwick with Inspectorate writes this issue’s Talking Point column, where he asks the timely question, “Can Argentina’s Biodiesel Industry Grow … Despite the Politics?”

Plus, Fredrikson & Byron Vice President Richard Weiner discusses the EU’s new provisional tariffs on biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia in the Legal Perspectives column.

And the National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe author’s the lead column in the four-page Inside NBB section, titled, “NBB Launches 3-Part Plan to Strengthen RFS Efforts.”

Also, you’ll get the latest biodiesel plant and business news in the FrontEnd and Business Briefs sections.

Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to the advertisers supporting the July/August 2013 issue of Biodiesel Magazine:

Liquid Controls

EcoEngineers

Genscape

First Environment

Louis Dreyfus

Iowa Central Fuel Testing

MaxFlo

Gorman Rupp

Methes Energies

Oil Dri Corp. of America

American Agri-Diesel

Crown Iron Works

Webster Fuel Pumps & Valves

ICM Inc. 

The National Biodiesel Board

The Algae Biomass Summit

The National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo

The Biodiesel Industry Directory

BBI Consulting