The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) announced the winners of its third annual “Eye on Biodiesel” awards at the 2006 Biodiesel Conference & Expo held in February in San Diego, California. The awards honor those who have significantly contributed to the NBB’s mission of biodiesel education and industry growth.

Entertainer Willie Nelson and his wife, Annie, were named the “Influencer” award winners for founding Willie Nelson Biodiesel, a biodiesel distribution company. Since the business initially opened in 2004 at Carl’s Corner, a truck stop near Dallas, Texas, several more of the company’s biodiesel refueling pumps have been integrated at truck stops across the country.

The “Inspiration” award was given to Jim Evanoff, the environmental manager at Yellowstone National Park. Evanoff is a biodiesel advocate and has spoken about the park’s positive experience with the fuel at several conferences and meetings. Yellowstone’s entire diesel fleet currently operates on biodiesel.

“My job is managing the environmental programs in Yellowstone National Park, one of our country’s national treasures, but advancing biodiesel use is more than a job to me, it’s a personal commitment,” Evanoff said. “I am committed to educating Americans on the benefits of biodiesel, which will help ensure a brighter future for Yellowstone National Park and the rest of the nation for generations to come.”

Jim Evanoff, winner of NBB’s Inspiration award, fills his truck with biodiesel. Credit: Yellowstone National Park

All of Yellowstone’s buses and diesel vehicles run on biodiesel. Credit: Yellowstone National Park

Bob McCormick, principal engineer at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab, was named the “Innovation” award winner. McCormick has conducted studies and written numerous articles and papers about biodiesel. His work has helped to educate the government, media, and public about biodiesel’s benefits, especially its role in reducing harmful emissions. McCormick’s latest research provides important data on B20’s impact on nitrous oxide emissions in real-world conditions.

The “Industry Partnership” award was given to Don Borgman, market planning and customer integration manager for John Deere Ag Marketing Center. In 2005, Borgman influenced John Deere’s decision to fuel its entire U.S.-manufactured diesel machines with B2.

“I would like to congratulate each of the ‘Eye on Biodiesel’ award winners and thank them for their leadership and vision in helping to make biodiesel the fastest growing alternative fuel in America,” said Joe Jobe, NBB’s chief executive officer.

NBB is the national trade association representing the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the United States. According to its Web site, its mission is to advance the interests of its members by creating sustainable biodiesel industry growth.