Explore every episode of the podcast The Better. Cleaner. Now! Podcast

Executive Produced By: Heather Buechter
Produced and Edited By: Jason Brasier
Episode Host: Donnell Rehagen
Episode Guests: Nate Green, Scott Fenwick and Jason Brasier

For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

At a recent Clean Fuels Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C., Clean Fuels’ Director of State Governmental Affairs, Jeff Earl, had the opportunity to sit down with Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri. They discussed the Farm Bill and the critical role the clean fuels industry plays in advancing energy security. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

This episode explores the economic and market trends shaping the biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF industries. We dive into how state Low Carbon Fuel Standards and tax incentives are driving demand for low-carbon intensity feedstocks. Beyond these incentives, Jonathan Martin, Director of Economics and Market Analytics at Clean Fuels Alliance America, examines the complexities and external factors that can influence the clean fuels market. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

In this episode, we dive into the heart of the Clean Fuels Conference, the premier event for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. The clean fuels industry is accelerating like never before, and we are on track to exceed our vision of 6 billion gallons by 2030. With leading voices from corporate giants like Union Pacific and regulators like the California Air Resources Board on stage, this is more than just an industry event—it’s a movement. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

As the 2024 general election draws near, the stakes are high for many industries, including biofuels. In this episode, Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs at Clean Fuels, is joined by Liam Donovan, Senior Political Strategist with Bracewell, to dive deep into key election scenarios and what they mean for federal policy. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Mahanth Joishy, Fleet Superintendent for the City of Madison, Wisconsin, highlights the flexibility of switching between B5, B20 and B100, offering a major advantage in fleet operations. Joishy explains how biodiesel provides a cleaner, conversion-free fuel solution, keeping fleet vehicles operational even through the toughest winters. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brunt discusses his latest book, The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel, with Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen. Brunt explains how Diesel, his engine and vision for fuel transformed the Industrial Revolution and global economy before he disappeared under mysterious circumstances on the eve of World War I. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Stefan Maupin, Executive Director of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council, joins Tom Verry, Director of Outreach and Development at Clean Fuels, to discuss the evolving role of farmers in addressing today’s most pressing challenges. As consumer interest in food, fiber and energy consumption grows to unprecedented levels, Maupin shares how farmers are working to meet these demands while enhancing sustainability and production. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Part Two continues the inspiring story of Kenlon Johannes, the "godfather of biodiesel," who helped turn a revolutionary idea into a thriving industry. As the first executive director of the National SoyDiesel Development Board, now Clean Fuels Alliance America, Johannes championed the use of excess soybean oil in diesel engines. Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen and Johannes describe how biodiesel transformed from a concept into a vital part of the U.S. energy landscape. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Discover the inspiring story of Kenlon Johannes, the "godfather of biodiesel," who helped turn a revolutionary idea into a thriving industry. As the first executive director of the National SoyDiesel Development Board, now Clean Fuels Alliance America, Johannes championed the use of excess soybean oil in diesel engines. Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen and Johannes describe how biodiesel transformed from a concept into a vital part of the U.S. energy landscape. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Got questions about the clean fuels industry? We've got answers! In this special mailbag episode, Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels, and Heather Buechter, Director of Communications, tackle your biggest questions: Does biodiesel void vehicle warranties? How does the LCFS in California impact the Midwest? What is Clean Fuels doing to reduce the Carbon Intensity (CI) score for soybeans? Tune in as we share industry insights and answer your questions with our experts. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Adam Buttgenbach, Director of Fleet Engineering and Sustainability at PepsiCo, joins Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels, to explore their ambitious journey to decarbonize one of North America's largest private fleets. At this year’s Farm Progress Show, the organizations team up to showcase how progress over perfection drives net-zero goals. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Join Veronica Bradley, Director of Environmental Science at Clean Fuels, and Sharon Bard, Principal at Terra Economics, as they explore the USDA’s efforts to standardize climate-smart agricultural practices across the nation. Discover the challenges of implementing these practices, the need for scalable solutions, and the push for farmers to be recognized and rewarded for their climate-smart initiatives, tailored to the unique needs of their regions. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Join Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen and Supply Chain Liaison Paul Nazzaro as they explore the four pillars of a seamless energy transition: technology, infrastructure, operational integration, and economic analysis. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The Clean Fuels Foundation is advancing the biomass-based diesel industry with innovative research, educational initiatives and hands-on experiences. Clean Fuels Foundation Chairman and Nebraska farmer Mark Caspers joins Executive Director Tom Verry to highlight the Foundation’s impact on the industry. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Facing challenges in the competitive market, Incobrasa Industries Ltd. made a bold pivot, becoming a biodiesel production facility. Kerry Fogarty, Quality Control Manager at Incobrasa Industries, joins Donnell Rehagen, CEO at Clean Fuels, to share the company’s inspiring journey to becoming a leader in the soybean processing and biodiesel industries. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Michael Devine, President of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) joins Steven Dodge, Director of State Regulatory Affairs for Clean Fuels, to discuss the latest advancements in burner technology, new efficiencies and the integration of renewable fuels into home heating systems. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The clean fuels industry has a strong playbook for growth and an impressive track record of overcoming challenges. With three soybean crush plants, a renewable diesel plant and potential SAF plant on the horizon, Kansas is set to boost the value of its soybeans like never before. Kaleb Little, Executive Director of the Kansas Soybean Association, and Doug Whitehead, COO of Clean Fuels, share their perspectives on the industry's history of surmounting obstacles and the vast growth potential ahead. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

As Commander of the Southwest Navy Region, Rear Admiral Leendert “Len” Hering Sr., USN (Ret), pioneered transformative programs in energy, water and waste management that set new standards across the Department of Defense. This episode dives into his exploration of biodiesel as a strategic solution for energy independence within the U.S. military. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Matt Amick, Executive Director of the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, and Jeff Earl, Director of State Governmental Affairs at Clean Fuels, dive into how the coalition is helping drive a $2 billion industry in Missouri through its efforts in promoting and advocating for biodiesel. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Despite common misconceptions, diesel isn't the dirty word it once was. Join Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels Alliance America and Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director at Engine Technology Forum, as they discuss transforming the narrative and reality of clean diesel technology. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The rail industry is accelerating its path to decarbonization by incorporating higher blends of biodiesel and renewable diesel. Join Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen and Wayne Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy Consulting, as they discuss why rail companies are betting big on biodiesel to power their locomotives and meet aggressive emissions reduction goals. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

More than 75 Clean Cities and Communities coalitions across the U.S. have helped reduce 72 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions since the organization was formed by the Department of Energy in 1993. Kevin Herdler, Executive Director of St. Louis Regional Clean Cities Coalition, describes the significant and lasting change coalitions are making with Heather Buechter, Director of Communications at Clean Fuels. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Army Veteran and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board Executive Director Adam Kask discusses energy security, crush capacity and climate smart agriculture with Tom Verry, Director of Outreach and Development for Clean Fuels. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Elizabeth, New Jersey, population of 135,000 in just 11 square miles, is a densely populated city surrounded by various modes of transportation contributing to its poor air quality. Jonathan Phillips, Executive Director of the environmental justice group Groundwork Elizabeth joins Stephen Dodge, Director of State Regulatory Affairs at Clean Fuels Alliance America, to discuss the role clean fuels play in creating cleaner air for communities. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

USDA recently incorporated climate smart agriculture practices into the latest updates of the GREET model, providing a framework for future biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF tax credits. Donnell Rehagen, Clean Fuels CEO; Kurt Kovarik, Vice President, Federal Affairs; and Veronica Bradley, Director of Environmental Science, explain the challenges of navigating a tax incentive based on carbon intensity. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Airlines are taking on the challenge of decarbonizing the roughly 100-billion-gallon global aviation industry. Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America, is joined by Veronica Bradley, Director of Environmental Science, and Jonathan Martin, Director of Economics and Market Analytics, to discuss the science behind SAF, its production methods, and its potential to revolutionize the aviation industry. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Clean Fuels and member company John Deere are set to participate in the second semi-annual Celebration of Modern Ag on the National Mall to engage the Washington D.C. audience on the Future of Food and Farming. Miles Chiotti, Manager of Public and Industry Relations at John Deere joins Paul Winters, Director of Public Affairs and Federal Communications at Clean Fuels, to showcase how John Deere is leveraging new technologies that enable farmers to do more with less while continuing to provide more feed, fuel and fiber to the world. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Discover how fleet testimonials and technological advancements have bolstered OEM confidence in biodiesel and paved the way for cleaner fleet operations. Jennifer Weaver, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Market Development Manager for Clean Fuels, is joined by Bailey Arnold, Director of Clean Air Initiatives at American Lung Association, and Pete Probst, President of Indigenous Energy, to discuss the rising demand for higher blends of biodiesel, and the success stories of some prominent biodiesel fleets in the Midwest. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Gary Louis, recently retired President and CEO of Seaboard Energy, sits down with Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Director of State Governmental Affairs, to discuss Seaboard Energy’s journey with biodiesel and renewable diesel and the shared effort of increasing demand for clean fuel alternatives. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Millions of acres of farmland in the Midwest are not planted to any crop during the winter months. Michelle Starke, Director of Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs at CoverCress, and Alan Weber, Consultant to Clean Fuels and Founding Parter of MARC-IV, explain the benefits of producing a new feedstock in the Midwest that goes into renewable fuels. Discover how CoverCress, with its winter annual growth cycle, seamlessly integrates into existing corn and soybean rotations. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Metrolink, a Southern California commuter rail service, recently made the transition to 100% renewable diesel. Tom Verry, Director of Outreach and Development, and Heather Buechter, Director of Communications, discuss the transition with Lisa Colicchio, Sustainability Director at Metrolink, while exploring the various markets for biodiesel and renewable diesel along the Golden Coast. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

During his time at the California Air Resources Board, Floyd Vergara oversaw key climate change and air quality programs, including the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Vergara, Senior Advisor to Clean Fuels, sits down with Jeff Earl, Director of State Governmental Affairs, to discuss the LCFS framework building demand for clean fuels. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

With more than 5,000 acres under production, winter canola is considered a new, valuable oilseed crop for the clean fuels industry. Alan Weber, Consultant to Clean Fuels and Founder Member of MARC-IV, sits down with Chad Berghoefer, Global Product Director - Biofuels, Corteva Agriscience, to discuss canola’s potential for growers and the biofuel industry. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

From production to consumption, Weights and Measures Bureaus regulate fuel quality to ensure reliable fuels are being sold. Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels Alliance America, discusses the role of Weights and Measures in the marketplace with Mike Harrington, Bureau Chief of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Weights and Measures Bureau. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson joins Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Dir. of State Governmental Affairs, to discuss his political career and standing up for agriculture. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Over the last 30 years, the biodiesel industry’s growth has enabled the soybean market’s growth. Ahead of a Learning Center Session at Commodity Classic, Doug Whitehead, Clean Fuels COO; Paul Winters, Dir. Of Public Affairs and Federal Communications; and Greg Anderson, Clean Fuels Governing Board Member and Nebraska Farmer, reflect on market growth, new opportunities and feedstocks. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The most important carbon to reduce is the carbon in the atmosphere now. Veronica Bradley, Clean Fuels Director of Environmental Science, discusses climate change and the role of renewable energy technologies with Dr. Jenny Frank, NORA consultant and Assistant Professor at SUNY Morrisville. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan joins Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ VP, Federal Affairs, to discuss policy priorities for the biofuel industry, the Farm Bill and how the presidential election will impact the political landscape. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Tom Verry, Clean Fuels’ Director of Outreach and Development, and Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer Deputy Commissioner, DCAS, discuss switching the largest municipal fleet in America to biodiesel and renewable diesel. Hear how New York City is fueling change by becoming the first city on the East Coast to transition all heavy-duty vehicles in the city’s fleet away from fossil fuels. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

With over 5 million homes using home heating oil in the Northeast, the Bioheat® fuel market presents a tremendous opportunity to support family businesses, farmers and cleaner air for local communities. Heather Buechter, Director of Communications, Clean Fuels; Katherine Reed, Senior Communications Manager, Clean Fuels; and Paul Nazzaro, Clean Fuels’ Supply Chain Liaison, discuss the market potential in the Northeast and why actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg became passionate about promoting the message. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

The Clean Fuels Conference connects key players of the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry for one can’t-miss event. Director of Communications, Heather Buechter, is joined by Clean Fuels Conference Co-Directors Brad Shimmens and Jenna Rose to preview the expert sessions, exhibits and showcases at the Clean Fuels Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas, Feb. 5-8. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Mac Marshall, VP Market Intelligence for the United Soybean Board, joins Jonathan Martin, Clean Fuels’ Director of Economics and Market Analytics, to discuss the surging demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel and whether there will be enough feedstocks to meet ambitious production targets. The conversation addresses the complex value chain from farm to fuel, highlighting the essential role of energy in ensuring global food affordability and availability. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Welcome to the first episode of the Better. Cleaner. Now! podcast. Whether you’re a clean fuels veteran or new to the industry, this podcast will give you insights from the experts behind biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. In episode one, Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America, and Heather Buechter, Director of Communications, preview the groundwork being laid to exceed the association’s vision of reaching 6 billion gallons by 2030. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Coming in 2024, authentic conversations in the world of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. From Clean Fuels Alliance America, it's the Better. Cleaner. Now! podcast. For more information, visit Clean Fuels Alliance America.