The National Biodiesel Board has announced the vote of the ASTM International D02 Main Committee to approve a trio of long-awaited ASTM specifications for biodiesel blends. After more than five years of extensive research and subsequent balloting by the ASTM fuel experts in the blended fuel process, ASTM has approved three key sets of biodiesel specifications that are predicted to bolster automaker support and consumer demand for biodiesel. The three new specifications include:

* Changes to the existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification (ASTM D6751)
* Finished specifications to include up to 5% biodiesel (B5) in the conventional petrodiesel specifications (ASTM D975)
* Approved a new specification for blends of between 6% (B6) and 20% (B20) biodiesel for on- and off-road diesel.

After ASTM internal reviews, these specifications are expected to be officially published and take effect in the fall of 2008.

Steve Howell, chairman of the ASTM Biodiesel Task Force, said, "The new ASTM specifications for B6-B20 blends will aid engine manufacturers in their engine design and testing processes to optimize the performance of vehicles running on biodiesel. The new specifications will also help ensure that only the highest quality biodiesel blends are made available to consumers at the retail pump."

ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Known for their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASTM International standards have an important role.