U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and National Biodiesel Board member Propel Biofuels hosted a press conference in Seattle to discuss support for the biodiesel blender tax credit. The speakers discussed its positive impacts on job growth, carbon emissions reduction and national security.

"For far too long, government policy has subsidized and supported the status quo in the energy sector," Murray said. "Big oil companies have been allowed to dominate the industry without regard for their environmental, economic, or national security impact. And we see the results of those policies each time prices at the pump spike, and every time we turn on our televisions and see more images of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico." Murray called the situation "unacceptable" and "unsustainable."
"That's why I have been such a strong supporter of policies that support companies working on new, innovative, and renewable energy sources," she said. "And it's why I'm fighting so hard to extend the tax credits for biodiesel production right here in Washington State."

The event was held at Propel Fuels Clean Fuel Point, the first renewable fuels station in downtown Seattle.

Other NBB members, General Biodiesel and Imperium Renewables, also participated in the event. The industry's message was clear: renew the tax credit and our industry will immediately increase production and create jobs.
Leaders across the industries of bioscience, refining, production and retail consumer access joined the senator in discussing the importance of the extension of the tax credit.

"I am proud to stand here today with such great representatives of the industry in Washington State," she said. "And I am committed to going back to Washington, D.C., and making sure we pass this critical extension of clean-energy tax incentives."