National Biodiesel Board hires Anne Steckel, currently chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson of California, to serve as VP of federal affairs

Rachel Carter

WASHINGTON , August 5, 2011 (press release) – A Washington Veteran with a Strong Background in the Renewable Sector

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) announced today that it has hired Anne Steckel, currently chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson of California, to serve as vice president of federal affairs.

Steckel, who will lead NBB's Washington office, brings an extensive background working on Capitol Hill and in the renewable energy field, with nearly 15 years of Washington experience. In addition to leading Rep. Thompson's congressional office, she has overseen legislative issues for several members of Congress, including U.S. Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois; directed government relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation; and directed government affairs at Growth Energy, a renewable fuels trade group.

"We feel very lucky and proud to have found someone of Anne's caliber, background and expertise," said Joe Jobe, CEO of NBB, the biodiesel industry trade association. "She is a real Washington pro and a leader in the renewable energy sector. I know that she will be an effective advocate for the biodiesel industry as we continue to grow and expand as America's first Advanced Biofuel."

Starting in late August, Steckel is arriving at a time when the biodiesel industry is on track for a record year of production. Her primary focus for the near-term will be urging Congress to pass a long-term extension of a tax incentive that is spurring new biodiesel production and sustaining thousands of good, American jobs.

"Biodiesel is boosting our economy, improving the environment and making the United States more energy secure," said Steckel. "I am excited to help lead such a vibrant industry with so much potential for growth that improves the way we fuel our economy."

Steckel takes over the position from Manning Feraci, who left NBB recently to lead government affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Biodiesel is America's first advanced biofuel - a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that is reducing U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum, creating green jobs and improving our environment. Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as agricultural byproducts, recycled cooking oil and animal fats, it is the first and only commercial-scale fuel used across the U.S. to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's definition as an advanced biofuel. It is produced in nearly every state in the country and will support more than 31,000 U.S. jobs in 2011 while replacing nearly 1 billion gallons of petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines and meets strict specifications of ASTM D6751.

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