Cummins Inc is the latest of the truck engine makers to announce a biodiesel decision for use in its 2002 and later emission-compliant products--a move the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is cheering, according to Tom Verry, NBB outreach and development director.
Cummins upgraded its previous position, which limited the use to B5 blends, and raised it to up to B20, Verry said at the Dairy Distribution and Fleet Management Conference March 28-31 in San Antonio, Texas.
The NBB is the national trade association representing the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development of biodiesel in the United States. It was founded in 1992 by state soybean commodity groups, who were funding biodiesel research and development programs. NBB's membership is comprised of state, national, and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations, biodiesel suppliers, fuel marketers and distributors, and technology providers.
Verry said encouragement from the federal sector also has encouraged the industry, which has received attention from the Bush administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
However, Verry pointed out that the NBB endorses American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) D6751 as the standard biodiesel fuel. "Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to the strict industry specifications in order to insure proper performance." he said.
Cummins approved the use of biodiesel B20 blends for use in its 2002 and later emissions-compliant ISX, ISM, ISL, ISC and ISB engines and includes the recently released 2007 products.
Cummins said in its announcement that the ASTM D6751 standard now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel. Cummins also noted the availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 certified marketers and accredited producers is growing rapidly.
Verry said at the Dairy Distribution meeting that there are 1,731 biodiesel distributors across the United States and numerous convenience stores and other fueling sites that handle the fuel. But, he added that the industry's biggest challenge for the future will be getting the feedstock needed to keep up with production.