ASTM International named the biodiesel specification, D6751, as one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Standards” of all time – and we couldn’t agree more! There’s a promising path forward for biodiesel’s role in meeting environmental goals in hard-to-decarbonize vehicles and vessels. Learn the latest on how compelling new biodiesel fuel quality data from top research institutions—and a new Low Metals Grade of biodiesel—could lead to a bright future for B20. Hear from an expert panel on industry efforts for B100 in current engines, and plans for new ASTM specifications for blends up to B100 in new Ultra Low Emissions Diesel Engines, regulated by EPA and CARB, in 2027-2034.
Speakers:
Robert McCormick
Senior Research Fellow
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Bob McCormick is a senior research fellow and platform leader for NREL’s low-net carbon fuels and combustion research. His work focuses on end-use issues and fuel-engine interactions with alternative fuels, primarily biofuels—including ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel as well as next generation and futuristic fuels. McCormick is a Fellow of SAE International. He received the Eye on Biodiesel Innovation Award in 2006 and the American Chemical Society’s Henry H. Storch Award in Energy Chemistry in 2022.
Steve Howell
Senior Technical Advisor for Clean Fuels Alliance America
M4 Consulting
Steve Howell is a principle in M4 Consulting, a firm dedicated to the development of industrial products from agriculture. Howell currently serves as the Chair of the ASTM Biodiesel Task Force for biodiesel standards, a position he has held since 1994. He currently serves as the Senior Technical Advisor for Clean Fuels Alliance America, working closely with Technical Director Scott Fenwick. Howell is the only person who has ever been selected as a Fellow of both ASTM International and the American Oil Chemist Society.
Roger Gault
EMA, Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association
2003-2019: Vice President, Regulatory Activities at the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA); responsibilities included fluids related matters (fuels, lubricants, and coolants) 2019 – present: Consultant to EMA regarding fluids related matters
Colin Huwyler
CEO
Optimus Technologies
Colin Huwyler is a veteran of the renewable fuels industry. Prior to becoming CEO of Optimus, he was the founder and CEO of Fossil Free Fuel, a renewable fuel company, and was the Director of Research and Technology at Steel City Biofuels, a biodiesel program of Penn State University. Huwyler is the co-inventor on a number of Optimus patents, holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and earned a certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.
Moderator:
Keith Cockerline
United Soybean Board
31 years DuPont Soy Polymers. Developing, supporting, and managing soy isolated based technologies for industrial uses. Seven years with Smithbucklin in support of the United Soybean Board finding new uses for soybean components in non-food applications.