Articles from Biofuel News
EPA Requires 800 million Gallons of Biodiesel in the U.S. Domestic Market in 2011
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would require the domestic use of 800 million gallons of biodiesel in 2011. This is consistent with the renewable goals established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), which expanded the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) and specifically requires a renewable component in U.S. diesel fuel.

RFS2 provides specific volume requirements for Advanced Biofuels such as Cellulosic Biofuels, Biomass-based Diesel and undifferentiated Advanced Biofuels. Today, biodiesel is the only widely, accepted, commercial scale Advanced Biofuel produced in the U.S. that meets the definition of Biomass-based Diesel and undifferentiated Advanced Biofuels under the RFS2 program. According to the EPA, biodiesel produced from waste greases, animal fats and agricultural oils reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by as much as 86 percent compared to petroleum diesel. The RFS2 program, consistent with the EPA's announcement, requires a minimum of 800 million gallons of Biomass-based diesel, which included biodiesel, to be entered into the commercial marketplace in 2011.

Governors' Biofuels Coalition Chair determined to help pass biodiesel tax incentive
Iowa Governor Chet Culver, who is Chair of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition, told the nation's biodiesel industry that he is more determined than ever to help get the extension of the federal biodiesel tax incentive passed in Congress.

Biodiesel Industry: Americans Strongly Support Tax Incentives for Clean Energy
With the U.S. Senate poised to consider legislation this week that includes reinstatement of the biodiesel tax incentive, a new poll released by Stanford University found 84 percent of respondents favored federal tax breaks to encourage alternative energy, including water, wind and solar.

NBB Hails House Passage of Biodiesel Tax Incentive
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, legislation that among other things retroactively extends the biodiesel tax incentive through December 31, 2010. The measure passed the House by a 215 to 204 margin.

Inaction to Reinstate the Biodiesel Tax Credit is "Unacceptable"
Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), today renewed his call for Congress to put Americans back to work immediately by retroactively reinstating the expired biodiesel tax incentive. The industry is barely operating and at risk of total collapse without it, he warned.

Biodiesel Industry Pleads for Visiting Obama to Rescue American Jobs
With President Obama scheduled to tour an ethanol plant in Macon, Missouri, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), located less than 100 miles to the south, pleaded for the White House to help Congress finish the job on the lapsed biodiesel tax incentive and put industry employees back to work.

Earth Day Underscores Urgency of Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension
With the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day upon us, it is imperative that Congress move immediately to ensure the survival of America's first advanced biofuel - biodiesel.

Biodiesel Industry, Fuel Marketers and Retailers, & Ag Leaders Call on Congress
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) released a letter to Congressional Leadership urging Congress to take immediate action to retroactively reinstate the biodiesel tax incentive. The NBB spearheaded this letter and was joined by several organizations representing the US biodiesel industry, fuel marketers and retailers, as well as agriculture stakeholders.

National Biodiesel Board Director of Sustainability Weighs In on World Water Day
Even during record production years the entire US biodiesel industry uses less water than a handful of golf courses use to water their lawns. Hear more on biodiesel and water from Don Scott

NBB Hails Senate Passage of Biodiesel Tax Incentive
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) praised the U.S. Senate for passing H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 by a 62 to 36 margin . Among its provisions, the legislation provides a one year retroactive extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.

Biodiesel Secures Forum for Railroad Use at SAE April
NBB secured a forum at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress on April 14 in Detroit, Michigan. This forum will be dedicated to the discussion of biodiesel in railroads and serve as an attempt to gather many interested parties, to provide relevant information and data, to discuss the issues, and to capture a list of significant concerns to be addressed by appropriate groups in the near future.

NBB Disappointed by Delay in Extending Biodiesel Tax Incentive
The decision to delay Senate consideration of an extension of the biodiesel tax incentive is certain to have a negative impact on the domestic biodiesel industry. Since the biodiesel tax incentive expired last year, U.S. biodiesel producers have been forced to lay-off employees, cut payrolls and stop production. Further delay addressing this issue is certain to make this situation worse and imperil the 23,000 green jobs the industry currently supports, stated Manning Feraci, Vice President for Federal Affairs at the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

Artists unveil biodiesel remix tracks at biodiesel Conference and Expo
Reuse Renew Recycle Remix - The R4 music project is a collaboration built by the community remix site ccMixter.org. The Brown album features 8 tracks created by 15 artists and was showcased at the biodiesel Conf and expo.

Highest Biodiesel Honors Awarded Today at National Conference
The National Biodiesel Board recognized Ramiro Lopez, City of Irving, Texas and other biodiesel champions at the annual Eye on Biodiesel awards presentation. They were presented at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, which wrapped up in Grapevine, Texas today.

EPA Affirms Advanced Biofuels Status for Biodiesel
Today, at the National Biodiesel Board's Annual Conference & Expo, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attended to provide a briefing on biodiesel's role in the future of renewable fuels and, more importantly, to provide a comprehensive briefing on the EPA's recently introduced final RFS2 rule.

North America's Largest Car Rental Company Converts to Biodiesel for Its Airport
Airport travel will be a breath of fresh air for Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental customers as biodiesel gets them to and from their destination. Enterprise Holdings launched efforts for their entire fleet of more than 600 airport shuttle buses across 50 North American markets to begin using at least 5 percent biodiesel (B5). The company formally unveiled their latest clean energy measure at the 2010 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Grapevine, Texas.

"Astonishingly Accurate" Economist Predicts Bright Future for Biodiesel
Prominent economist and futures forecaster Don Reynolds sees light at the end of the tunnel for the biodiesel industry. During his keynote speech to the 2010 Biodiesel Conference & Expo today, Reynolds predicted that 2010 will be a year of recovery and renewed momentum for the biodiesel industry.

GM Announces Support for B20 at National Biodiesel Conference
General Motors told biodiesel supporters at the National Biodiesel Conference that the company's 2011 model year Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engines will be fully compatible with a 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20). The company made the announcement, which covers all 2011 GM heavy-duty products including Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana, after extensive evaluation of B20.

Biodiesel boasts biggest game in town
The Saints and Colts may have the field in Florida tonight, but in Texas the biodiesel game is the one to watch. Kicking off today, the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo will feature its own version of exciting new plays, MVP appearances, strong starting lineup, and a guaranteed sure bet for clean energy.

NBB Welcomes RFS2 Rule
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) issuance of the final rule to implement the expanded Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) provided for in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007(EISA).

National Biodiesel Conference Visits Dallas-Fort Worth at a Critical Time
As the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo prepares to open for the first time in the Dallas-Fort Worth area next month, the biodiesel industry is keeping one eye on Washington, D.C., in hopes the Federal Government will complete its critical unfinished business from 2009.

Lab and 'Nose' Tests Back Up Air Quality Benefits of Biodiesel
Underground Mines are Cleaner, Safer with Biodiesel - Miners have several ways of knowing whether the air they breathe hundreds of feet below ground is cleaner. Mine companies Rogers Group and Hutchinson Salt Company both have extensive testing that shows biodiesel cuts emissions in their mines.

Volkswagen "Racing Under Green" Documentary to Feature Series' Use of Biodiesel
After a highly successful adrenaline-packed season of racing with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series, Volkswagen announced today that all of the behind-the-scenes drama of the country's only professional clean diesel racing series will hit national television with a documentary on the season, titled "Racing Under Green." The documentary will air at various times on Discovery Communications' Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Planet Green, and HD Theater from January 18-30.

National Biodiesel Conference brings bright spark to dark days
This year's high feedstock costs, a global credit crisis, a recession with dropping diesel prices and uncertain federal policy signals pushed the industry to the brink. And yet, even in the face of this adversity, the long term outlook looks good.

NBB Releases Study on Critical Importance of Biodiesel Tax Credit
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has released a study conducted by renowned economic analyst, John M. Urbanchuk. The study examined the economic impact of the biodiesel industry and the negative consequences of allowing the federal biodiesel tax credit to lapse. The biodiesel tax incentive is currently set to expire on December 31, 2009.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, At the Capitol
A Capitol Christmas Tree has been an American tradition since 1964. But this is the first year that renewable biodiesel helped transport the tree across the nation. The six-story-tall blue spruce made its way from Arizona to Washington, D.C. powered by a blend of the cleaner burning fuel.

NBB Calls on EPA to Implement RFS2 Biodiesel Targets
The NBB has sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reiterating the critical importance of implementing renewable targets for Biomass-based Diesel.

"Deck the Hauls" with Biodiesel
The Christmas tree destined for the lawn of our nation's Capitol is greener than ever. A more-than-six-story-tall blue spruce is on its way from Arizona to Washington, D.C. powered by a blend of cleaner burning biodiesel.

National Biodiesel Board Members Elect Governing Board
National Biodiesel Board members selected their trade association leadership, electing seven returning governing board members and one new member to serve on the leadership committee.

U.S. Biodiesel Leaders Visit with Lawmakers
Members of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the trade association for the U.S. biodiesel industry, today called on lawmakers to extend and reform the biodiesel tax incentive.

NBB Lauds Introduction of Biodiesel Tax Incentive in the House of Representative
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today applauded Representatives Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) and John Shimkus (R-IL) for introducing H.R. 4070, legislation to reform and extend the biodiesel tax incentive. Currently, the biodiesel tax incentive is set to expire December 31, 2009.

Michigan School Buses go the "Extra Miles" on Biodiesel
School bus driver Linda Rogers remembers the winter days with thick, blue smoke fouling the air around the buses. Those were the days before her district switched to B20.

Biodiesel Returns More Energy to the Earth Than Ever, Study Finds
Biodiesel is better than ever at harnessing the power of the sun and turning it into fuel. In fact, a study shows the fuel is returning more than four times the energy that it takes to make biodiesel.

"JC Greenfest" Highlights Jefferson City's Green Side
JC Greenfest will celebrate all things green from 4 - 8 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009 at the Riverside/Ellis Porter Park Pavilion in Jefferson City, MO. The National Biodiesel Board invites Mid-Missouri residents to a festival to learn about biodiesel and other green initiatives. National recording artist Emily Richards (www.emilyrichardsmusic.com) will perform as the featured guest.

Biodiesel Takes Them Out to the Ballgame
The Reds, the Chiefs and others go green with biodiesel. Teams trend towards biodiesel to reduce impact on the environment.

NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs Testifies Before U.S. House Committee Rega
Manning Feraci, Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), testified before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business regarding the pressing need to extend and reform the biodiesel tax incentive. The incentive is currently set to expire on December 31, 2009.

Presidential Treatment: Dr. Roger Beachy Appointed to Federal Post
Biodiesel advocate and friend, Dr. Roger Beachy, has been appointed the first Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture by President Barack Obama. NBB congratulates him! Dr. Beachy is the founding President of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. Under his leadership, the Center has been a vital partner in NBB's feedstock expansion projects.

Bioheat and Biodiesel Embraced as Oilheat's Cleaner, Greener Future
At the national oilheat industry policy summit, oilheat leadership approved a statement formally embracing cleaner burning fuels, like Bioheat. Primarily used as a transportation fuel, biodiesel, which is already ultra low sulfur, can be blended with regular No. 2 heating oil or low sulfur heating oil.

Freeways-to-Fuel Harvest Paves the Way for Biodiesel Production...
Test plots at the roadside simulation lab at Utah Botanical Center are part of an innovative "Freeways-to-Fuel" project sponsored by the Utah Department of Transportation , the National Biodiesel Board and others.

Iowa Biodiesel Leaders Express Need for Workable RFS-2 Program to EPA Officials
S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) recently hosted senior EPA officials at a Newton, Iowa biodiesel plant managed by Renewable Energy Group (REG).

NBB Applauds Ford's B20 Approval in 2011 F-Series Super Duty' Trucks
Biodiesel supporters are cheering Ford Motor Company's announcement that its all-new Ford-built 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel pickups will be fully compatible with a 20 percent biodiesel blend (B20).

NBB program helps develop algae oil as future of Biomass Fuel Potential
More than 100 research and industry leaders gathered for "Algae-to-Energy in the South," a regional summit examining algae's potential as a renewable energy resource. The National Biodiesel Board has been proactive to support research and development to learn more about algae's potential as well as honing algae extraction techniques.

NBB Applauds Conrad/Grassley Letter
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today applauded U.S. Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) and U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) for spearheading the effort to ensure that the volume requirements for Biomass-based Diesel are met.

NBB Applauds Biodiesel Tax Legislation
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the trade association for the U.S. biodiesel industry, today thanked U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) for introducing the Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension Act

Oregon Launches B2 Biodiesel Requirement
Oregon's 2 percent biodiesel (B2) requirement went into effect on August 5, making it the third state supporting increased reliance on the cleaner-burning, domestically produced fuel.

Trucks Line Up at New BioTrucker Stop in Illinois
More than 50 semi-trucks, pickup trucks and diesel cars lined up at the newest stop in the BioTrucker network of truck stops selling environmentally friendly, domestically produced biodiesel blends.

New Companies Join the Elite in Biodiesel Quality Assurance
More biodiesel companies have achieved the highest level of industry-recognized quality assurance, a sign that quality remains a top commitment among the nation's biodiesel producers.

Statement Regarding EU Decision to Impose Definitive Duties on US Biodiesel
NBB's Vice President of Federal Affairs Manning Feraci issued a statement in response to the European Union's (EU) decision to impose punitive final duties on U.S. biodiesel.

National Biodiesel Board Launches Facebook' Group
The National Biodiesel Board announced today at its annual June board meeting in Washington, D.C. that it has created a new home base on Facebook for biodiesel fans. From the biodiesel-curious to the biodiesel advocate, the new National Biodiesel Board Group will serve as another outlet for biodiesel information and discussion.

More Than 100 Scientists Declare Support for Biodiesel
More than 100 scientists, including two University Deans, have gone on record in the past four months in support of biodiesel by signing the "Scientists for Biodiesel" declaration, putting science squarely on the side of this important alternative fuel.

Manning Feraci Testifies Before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) RFS-2
Because the proposed rule relies on dubious land use assumptions and inaccurate data, the EPA's proposed rule restricts feedstock for low-carbon diesel replacement fuel to only animal fats and restaurant grease.

Notice Regarding Minnesota Soybean Processor Fire
A fire occurred on May 24 at the Minnesota Soybean Processors, a cooperative that owns and operates a soybean processing and biodiesel plant in Brewster, MN. The fire was limited to an area involved exclusively with the storage of and loading out of finished soybean oil and soy biodiesel. No explosion occurred and no injuries resulted.

Biodiesel Safety Training Materials Distributed Nationwide
The NBB and the International Association of Fire Chiefs have cooperated for more than a year to prepare and distribute safety training materials.

Minnesota Trucking Association Confident in Move to Biodiesel B5
Regarding Minnesota's new B5 requirement, John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association, said "Due to the diligent work of the states biodiesel manufacturers and distributors, the Minnesota Trucking Association is confident that we will have no operational problems as we move to the B5 blend."

NBB Statement Regarding Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS-2) Notice of Proposed Rule
Manning Feraci, Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), issued a statement today regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS-2).

Commercial Biodiesel Production Falls to 2006 Levels
March numbers show a dramatic fall in U.S. biodiesel production. Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, issued a statement after a review of recent and projected U.S. biodiesel volumes for 2009.

Lung Associations Urge More Biodiesel Use to Improve Air Quality
State and local lung association groups are recommending biodiesel use in response to findings in the State of the Air Report 2009 produced by their national organization.

Minnesota Moves to Five Percent Biodiesel, Upping Standard, Benefits
Minnesota is again leading the national in the charge to keep valuable jobs in the U.S., decrease dependenec on foreign oil and lessen environmental impacts. The state is the first to require that diesel fuel contain a 5 percent blend of homegrown, renewable biodiesel.

National Biodiesel Board Statement Regarding the "Water Footprint of Biofuels" S
The recently released findings on the "water footprint" of biofuels raise legitimate concerns regarding the need to ensure the most sustainable agriculture practices are being followed in developing crops to be used in conjunction with biofuels or any other use.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Racing Series Begins With a Power Boost from Biodi
Start your engines - the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series kicks off this weekend with double header races powered by B5.

Alternative Fuels Industry Honors Biodiesel Chief
Joe Jobe was recently honored with the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute's Golden Bullet Award. Jobe pointed out that biodiesel is among renewable energy solutions that, when combined, pack a powerful opportunity to lead America towards energy independence.

Cities Turn to Biodiesel Earth Day and Every Day
Border to border and coast to coast, cities rely on biodiesel as a renewable energy solution. The cleaner burning, sustainable fuel packs a powerful environmental punch and is hard at work in cities across the United States.

National Biodiesel Board Applauds Iowa's B5 Milestone
The National Biodiesel Board today praised the Iowa Senate for passing legislation to take the state a step closer to implementing an alternative fuel standard.

BQ-9000 Adds Laboratories to Biodiesel Quality Assurance Program
BQ-9000 is now an even more powerful tool for customers. The most reputable quality program in the world introduces a laboratory program to build on successful marketer and producer certifications.

NBB Formally Responds To European Commission Provisional Duties On U.S. Biodiese
The National Biodiesel Board today submitted formal written comments in response to the European Commission's (EC) decision to impose provisional antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on U.S. biodiesel entering the European Union (EU).

NBB Unveils CO2 Reduction Demonstration, New Trucking Survey
The National Biodiesel Board, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board and United Soybean Board jointly participated in the largest U.S. based trucking show - Mid America Trucking Show (MATS). As part of the show's events, NBB announced the results of lifecycle carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction demonstration and conducted a new trucking survey.

Yesteryear's Scientific Genius Leads to Today's Scientific Support
National Biodiesel Day Sees 60 Scientists in Six Weeks Sign on to Support Biodiesel - It has been more than one hundred years since Rudolf Diesel's innovative engine was the cutting edge of energy and power. Now, modern day scientists are joining forces to support biodiesel, the renewable fuel driving Diesel's technology into the future. Today we celebrate National Biodiesel Day.

NBB's Chairman Ed Hegland Reaches Out to Top 150 Newspapers with OpEd
Wednesday, March 18, the date of Rudolf Diesel's birthday, is National Biodiesel Day. An opinion editorial by NBB Chairman Ed Hegland notes that biodiesel is the only fuel commercially available today that meets all the federal government's criteria of an "advanced biofuel." But it is facing monumental challenges to help make President Obama's vision of energy independence a reality.

NBB Statement on European Commission's Publication of Provisional Duty Regulatio
Manning Feraci, Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), issued the following statement in response to the European Commission's (EC) publication of Provisional Duty Regulations in the ongoing anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of biodiesel from the United States: "This is a flawed decision. The imposition of provisional duties is nothing more than a politically expedient effort to appease the protectionist whims of the European biodiesel industry and is inconsistent with the European Union's (EU) World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations. This sets a dangerous precedent for global commerce."

Brinkmann Honored by ASA for Work with NBB
The American Soybean Association recognized Darryl Brinkmann, immediate past chairman of NBB, with the ASA Lifetime Achievement - Association Focus Award for his work with biodiesel through NBB, among his other service to ASA.

Biodiesel on the Red Carpet for Oscar Night
The National Biodiesel Board has confirmed that generators used for the Academy Awards, including media and red carpet arrivals will use a biodiesel blend. This is at least the third year biodiesel has had a role in the production. The Oscars are scheduled for February 22.

National Biodiesel Board Launches YouTube Channel
YouTube, the number one Web site for online video sharing, is now home to a comprehensive source of biodiesel videos and news, the NBB's new National Biodiesel Channel. Subscribe to the channel to get the latest in biodiesel news, information and entertainment!

NBB Steps in to Correct Misleading News Release and Coverage
The National Biodiesel Board is reaching out to the press to ensure they know the industry is committed to safeguarding our planet's valuable resources. An academic study and misleading news release resulted in inaccurate headlines such as: Biofuels boom could fuel rainforest destruction, researcher warns. The biodiesel industry is built on sustainable practices in the production of a fuel that is proven to lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide energy from a renewable resource.

National Biodiesel Board Closes Sixth Annual Conference
The National Biodiesel Conference and Expo again set the bar as an outstanding, informative, not-to-miss event. Throughout the four days of events, the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo presented a comprehensive slate of educational opportunities, networking and industry insight.

Highest Biodiesel Honors Awarded Today at National Conference
The annual awards for champions of environmentally friendly biodiesel fuel were presented at the sixth annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, which wrapped up in San Francisco today.

National Biodiesel Board Unveils Guiding Principles for Sustainability
Meeting in San Francisco, the NBB unveiled a formalized list of principles to guide the industry on issues of sustainability. The national trade association's Sustainability Task Force had developed and passed the principles that demonstrate the industry's commitment to climate change mitigation, human rights, food security, and respect for natural resources.

Science & Song Move Biodiesel Industry
Meeting in San Francisco, the NBB unveiled a formalized list of principles to guide the industry on issues of sustainability. The national trade association's Sustainability Task Force had developed and passed the principles that demonstrate the industry's commitment to climate change mitigation, human rights, food security, and respect for natural resources.

Biodiesel Conference Kicks Off with Theme of Leading. Change. Now.
A showcase of the latest diesel vehicles, a declaration of support from scientists, and a panel of biodiesel all-stars from the City of San Francisco helped kick off the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo in San Francisco today.

Minnesota State Agency Affirms B2 Mandate Not to Blame for Bus Woes
Citing an independent study, the Minnesota Department of Commerce reiterated today that biodiesel was not the culprit that caused school buses in Bloomington, Minn. to malfunction last week.

Biodiesel Quality Assurance Program, BQ-9000, Continues Growth
Two new producers add to growing roster of quality biodiesel producers and marketers. Nova Biofuels-Seneca, the flagship refinery of Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc., has yet to celebrate its first anniversary and already the refinery has secured certification under the NBB quality assurance program, BQ-9000.

Pennsylvania Biodiesel Requirement Triggered
Diesel fuel sold in Pennsylvania will be a shade greener while giving a boost to the state's economy, thanks to an announcement Gov. Ed Rendell made today.

NBB Salutes Senator Bond for Leadership in Renewable Energy
The National Biodiesel Board salutes Senator Kit Bond for 40 years of outstanding public service, in response to his announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2010.