State Biofuels Administrator Honored with National Award
Tuesday, February 03, 2009 | 07:35am
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Agriculture biofuels administrator Randy Jennings on Monday received the National Biodiesel Board’s Industry Partnership award. Jennings, along with Ronald Hayes from the state of Missouri, received the award at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo.
“Randy’s knowledge of renewable fuels has been an invaluable asset as we’ve worked with industry to increase the development and use of quality biofuels in Tennessee,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “I’m glad to know he is getting the recognition he deserves for helping our state to lead in the establishment of national biofuels standards.”
Jennings and Hayes have both worked in conjunction with the National Conference on Weights and Measures Fuels and Lubricants Committee, and with the American Society for Testing and Materials International to create and enforce standards for biodiesel fuel. They also worked on developing test methods for the specification and labeling requirements.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award. Our objective all along has been to assist in the sustainability of biodiesel by assuring the end user of a quality product,” said Jennings. “I feel really fortunate to work in Tennessee where we have an excellent environment and a great opportunity to play a role in the growth and development of biodiesel and other renewable fuels.”
Other award recipients included female rock icon Melissa Etheridge and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.
Based in Jefferson City, Mo., the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is the national trade association of the biodiesel industry. According to NBB, last years’ 700 million gallon production of biodiesel reduced greenhouse gas emissions which totaled the equivalent of removing 980,000 vehicles from U.S. roads.
For more information about biodiesel, visit www.biotenn.org or www.biodiesel.org.