Highest biodiesel honors awarded in Phoenix at NBB conference

The Disneyland Resort is built on imagination, and the steam-powered trains that circle the park are an iconic image. That image recently received a new twist; the 56-year-old trains are now running on biodiesel.

In March 2007 the resort was faced with a harsh reality. The diesel powered steam trains would not be able to meet ever-tightening environmental regulations brought on by the state of California. That is when the Disney Imagineers and the staff at the Disneyland Resort decided to make a change.

The resort began to transition the trains to biodiesel, using B98. Now, most of the biodiesel used is made from recycled cooking oil from its own kitchens, and accounts for nearly 75 percent of the parks diesel consumption.

Today, the National Biodiesel Board recognized Disneyland Resort and other biodiesel champions at the annual "Eye on Biodiesel" awards presentation. The awards were presented at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo today in Phoenix. The National Biodiesel Board's 2011 "Eye on Biodiesel Award" categories and their winners:

Inspiration: Deer Valley Unified School District. This Arizona school district began its biodiesel program in 1999, long before the fuel was a known quantity. Now the district uses biodiesel blends from B5 to B50 in all 236 school buses. Transportation Director Nick Portonova says he routinely takes calls from across the nation, helping answer questions that other fleets have. Portonova added the biggest benefit of using biodiesel is the healthier choice they are making for their students.

Industry Partnership: Nebraska Soybean Board. The Nebraska Soybean Board has been a leader among state soybean organizations in its support of biodiesel. Staff and farmer leaders regularly support and participate in critical biodiesel projects and events. For example, Nebraska recently hosted a delegation of oil heat leaders, a group that plans to blend 325 million gallons of biodiesel and wanted to see firsthand the source of the product. The Board also played a major role spearheading the largest proactive communications effort in industry history. They introduced new state soybean organizations to the biodiesel industry, and continue to support the industry through major investments in biodiesel projects.

Influence: City of New York. New York City Department of Sanitation, and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. City of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed landmark air quality legislation that includes a provision requiring all heating oil sold within New York City to contain at least 2 percent biodiesel by October 1, 2012. By moving to environmentally-friendly Bioheat, the City will annually replace approximately 20 million gallons of petroleum-based heating fuel. The New York City Department of Sanitation uses biodiesel blends of B5 to B20 in its 4,000 diesel vehicles, which include many large trucks and snow plows. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has operated its diverse fleet of vehicles as well as more than 130 buildings on B20 to B100 blends since 2006. Because of these two departments' commitment to cleaner fuels, New York City is the nation's largest municipal user of biodiesel.

Impact: Ford Motor Co. As a leader in the automotive industry, Ford has again stepped to the forefront with its support for and promotion of biodiesel. Ford undertook the task of designing, engineering and manufacturing its entire lineup of all-new Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks with the specific goal of supporting the use of B20 biodiesel blends for all its diesel customers, starting in 2011 and beyond. Ford's investment into the intense research, development and testing efforts that led to that support is now signified by the silver B20 emblem that is proudly displayed on the side of every new Ford Super Duty diesel truck. Ford's continued support has made a significant impact on the marketplace, instilling even greater consumer confidence in biodiesel.

Initiative: NBB Grassroots Team Captains. The NBB grassroots initiative empowers biodiesel industry leaders and supporters to influence public discussion. NBB's grassroots success has been heralded by Hill staff and trade groups alike. The successful program centers on team captains who carry out targeted objectives in their states. Since July 2009 the team captains have rallied contacts in key states to support a positive legislative framework for biodiesel. In just six weeks, NBB Grassroots Team Captains generated 8,000 comments on pending federal legislation. Their volunteer efforts have also led to countless earned media placements, successful site visits, and thousands of calls and letters to elected leaders. This group was critical in establishing the policy framework that exists today. Accepting the award was Renewable Energy Group’s Alicia Clancy.

Innovation: Disneyland Resort. The resort is a national landmark whose effort to reduce emissions through biodiesel use displaces 200,000 gallons a year of petroleum diesel. Its innovative solution saved its iconic steam trains and is a shining example of biodiesel use.

"Biodiesel, America's advanced biofuel, would not be what it is today without champions and supporters like these Eye on Biodiesel honorees," said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board.