The National Biodiesel Board recently presented retiring Sen. Christopher Bond, R-Mo., with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing support of the biodiesel industry. NBB headquarters are located in Jefferson City, Mo., due to the deep ties the industry has in the state.

Commercial biodiesel development began, thanks in part to Sen. Bond's early support of research at the University of Missouri, and collaboration with the Missouri Soybean Association. His leadership in the state helped the industry grow nationally.
"America is striving for energy security and clean air, and Sen. Bond deserves our thanks for helping to make biodiesel viable," said NBB CEO Joe Jobe.

As part of the ceremony, the NBB planted a chestnut tree on the office grounds. One of Sen. Bond's interests outside his job in Washington is in innovative agriculture, which includes an expansive chestnut tree orchard at his home in Mexico, Mo. The tree planted was a starter tree that originated on Bond's farm.

"I want to thank you all here at NBB for this award and for your support," said Bond. "In 40 years of public service, I have seen many ideas come and go. Biofuels, or generating energy from crops we have in abundance is an idea that is here to stay. It makes sense environmentally, it makes sense from a business perspective, and it means we don't have to import as much energy from foreign sources. Congratulations to all of you for seeing that and for advancing biodiesel and this young, promising industry."