Topic:

Looking at policy on the state and local level, how can we make effective change.

Items discussed:

Advocacy group -

We recognize that the National Biodiesel (NBB) does not represent a sustainable vision. Create some kind of Biodiesel Political Action Committee- to make it easier to produce, provide, and inform - while setting standards, certifying, and self-disclosing for quality. Create the market, keep the big boys/industry honest, establish a grassroots network to counter the capitalist alternative. LEGITIMIZE- RECLAIMED WASTE OIL B100 INDUSTRY.

Legitimize -

Collect info on benchmarks, what's working, share the local achievements, so other communities can benefit from the presidents. Get support from other established organizations with a similar sustainable agenda that supports the "Biodiesel Movement". Network with testing labs that have familiarity with biodiesel to create standardization. Meet regularly to organize, and inform-PR. Create/govern the language used to define our industry - LOBBY

Influence CEC (California Energy Commission), and CARB (California Air Resources Board)-

Get on boards. Advise as industry experts. Influence policy making on a state level to support and make "Biosphere Friendly Fuel" choices for meeting emission reduction challenge. Dr. Alan Lloyd (Head of CARB) seems open to suggestions on ways to reduce emissions.

CARB Certification -

Use Berkeley Ecology Center for quality tests.

Incentives -

To make it cheaper to test, get certification. Tax credits, rebates similar for solar if using biodiesel. Make it easier for end user- Agriculture exemption process is an added burden to end user.

Differentiate between the different types of "biodiesel"-

Reclaimed yellow grease, virgin GMO, SVO. - Goal- Promote sustainable choices.

Create Vision -

The biodiesel community needs to have a cohesive vision to be effective in defining itself and this industry. California drives the US;US drives the rest of the world- let's set an example here in California, to be modeled globally, for promoting sustainable, clean, locally and cooperatively, produced, promoted and distributed fuel choices.