Iowa leadership grows on National Biodiesel Board

ANKENY, Iowa  –  The National Biodiesel Board membership elected two new Iowa biodiesel producers to the governing board, for a total of four Iowans. The two sitting Iowans on the governing board were also elected to officer positions. The elections took place on November 13, during the NBB’s fall meeting in St. Louis. 

The NBB governing board elected Chad Stone, of the Ames-based Renewable Energy Group, as vice chair of NBB. Stone previously served as secretary. The board also elected soybean farmer Ron Heck, representing the Iowa Soybean Association, as secretary. 

Newly elected to the board were Tom Brooks, of Western Dubuque Biodiesel, who also serves as the current Iowa Biodiesel Board Chair. Troy Alberts, of biodiesel producer Ag Processing Inc., was also elected. Steve Nogel, who previously represented AGP, has announced his retirement and stepped down from the board.  

“The biodiesel industry has faced some difficult challenges the past couple of years, but with strong NBB leadership, determination and the dedication of the membership, we achieved key successes and the industry has continued to grow,” Alberts said in his election speech. “Ag Processing has invested a significant amount of capital in the biofuels industry. We share a vision of growth and sustainability for renewable fuels, and believe our industry is well-situated for the future.”  

The National Biodiesel Board is made up of 15 governing board members, including four executive officers.

“We’re proud of Iowa’s position as the top biodiesel-producing state, and pleased that it is reflected in the makeup of the national organization’s leadership,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of IBB.  “We have challenges yet to face at a federal level with the Renewable Fuel Standard, the biodiesel tax incentive and international trade disputes. We look forward to continuing Iowa’s important role in securing biodiesel’s future in our energy supply.” 

Biodiesel is made from a diverse mix of resources. These include recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats. The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.