SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - January 23, 2009) - Biodiesel leaders from across the country are meeting in San Francisco this month to discuss the perilous plight of the renewable fuel. After the collapse of oil prices, many recent investments in biodiesel operations are upside-down, and sustainability advocates worry that producers and consumers will cut costs by cutting corners. The 6th Annual Sustainable Biodiesel Summit, expecting over 200 participants from across the U.S and beyond, aims to help share resources and best practices to show how sustainability can help transform the industry.

"America's quest for energy independence has to be responsible if it is to make a difference," said Kumar Plocher, president and founder of Yokayo Biofuels in Ukiah, CA, who will be speaking at the event. "As an industry, a movement, and a community, we are defining our role in a holistic effort to save the planet."

This year's summit will focus on the "keep it local" message with two keynote speakers: Richard Heinberg, Post Carbon Institute and Mathis Wackernagel, Global Footprint Network. Producers, distributors and biodiesel experts will cover the latest updates in feedstocks such as algae, trap grease and other cutting-edge energy sources. Case studies from across the United States will showcase the latest biodiesel trends such as mandated grease collection and greenhouse gas reduction. Policy makers and advocates will also discuss efforts underway to create sustainability certification programs for biodiesel.

The Sustainable Biodiesel Summit is an unaffiliated all-volunteer project conveniently preceding the 6th Annual National Biodiesel Conference and Expo (www.biodiesel.org). The Sustainable Biodiesel Summit will begin Saturday, January 31st at noon (with a special tour of local distribution efforts January 31st at 9 AM), and conclude Sunday, February 1st. Both events are held in San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center.

Additional information, speakers list & registration available at: www.sustainable-biodiesel.org