Iowa Governor Chet Culver, who is chair of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition, told members of the National Biodiesel Board that he is more determined than ever to help get the extension of the federal biodiesel tax incentive passed.

Culver addressed members at NBB's last board meeting in Washington. He noted that the renewable energy industry is one of the best opportunities to grow the economy.

"Unfortunately a lot of people have not had the chance to understand what we are already doing, much less than what is possible," Culver said. "I can't think of a better alternative than biofuels and biodiesel. It is homegrown, cleaner and energy efficient. Plus it is a great way Americans can say no to imported foreign oil."

Culver went on to say that it "makes no sense" that the biodiesel incentive has not been extended yet. "If we can't extend the biodiesel tax credit, how can we even think about anything beyond that relating to renewable energy?" he said.

"Biodiesel is the only commercially available advanced biofuel in the U.S.," said Joe Jobe, CEO of the NBB. "We ask Gov. Culver to do everything in his power as chair of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition to move the tax incentive forward. Biodiesel must be on a level playing field with petroleum, which has had decades of substantial subsidies."

The Iowa Biodiesel Board invited the governor to speak to the industry.