ANSI, NIST to hold meeting on biofuels standardization

Concerns over energy security and climate protection have positioned biofuels at the forefront of political agendas worldwide. Produced from organic matter such as wood by-products and agricultural crops, biofuels are renewable energy products that can be converted into gas for use as fuel. Large-scale commoditization of biofuels could diversify the energy infrastructure, improve energy security and bring about a host of economic, social and environmental benefits.

The United States and the European Union have expressed strong interest in making biofuels a commodity for trade. Compatible standards will be among the chief topics of discussion at the upcoming EU-U.S. Summit in Washington, D.C., which intends to launch a new trans-Atlantic economic partnership aimed at harmonizing regulations, technical standards, environmental protection and trade security.

In advance of the Summit, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have invited key U.S. stakeholders to participate in a March 28 meeting to develop input related to biodiesel and bioethanol standardization issues. Input developed will be used to inform the U.S. delegation to the EU-U.S. Summit, as requested by the U.S. Department of State. Participation in this pivotal event is free and open to all stakeholders with an interest in biofuels.

The meeting agenda will open with a brief overview of recent events that have helped to propel biofuels-related issues to the top of domestic and international trade discussions, including the International Conference on Biofuels Standards, the launch of the new U.S.-Brazil agreement on biofuels, and the formation of the International Biofuels Forum — a six-party initiative between the United States, Brazil, China, South Africa, India and the European Union. Participants will then engage in an open discussion of key issues leading to the formulation of formal action items and next steps.

Due to space limitations, advance registration is required. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to register online for in-person or teleconference participation.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 28, in the Continental C conference room at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.