Maryland Biofuels Task Force Overview
Who
The Maryland Biofuels Task Force (MDBTF) Organizing Committee includes stakeholders from
industry and nongovernmental organizations with expertise in alternative fuel production and
use, environmental and energy policy, vehicle technology, fuel distribution, and agriculture.
(See Organizing Committee List)
What
Assess the challenges, costs, benefits, risks, and feasibility of utilizing higher blends of biofuels
to help decarbonize Maryland’s transportation and home heating oil sectors.
When
April 23, 2025, to November 23, 2025
Where
Five virtual meetings. Email your request for a registration link using the contact information
below.
Why
Maryland’s 2022 Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) mandates a 60% carbon reduction by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045. Reducing 646 million metric tons of CO2e could yield a societal benefit of $135 billion. Maryland’s Climate Pollution Plan states, “Additional policies are
therefore needed to meet the state target.”
Economic Security
Maryland faces a projected $3 billion budget deficit, necessitating economic growth
strategies.
Will biofuels contribute to Maryland’s agriculture sector, the largest commercial
industry in the state, which contributes $8.25 billion to the economy and employs
350,000 people
Energy Security
- Maryland lacks local energy production, relying heavily on imports, which poses risks to
energy security. - Can increasing biofuel use improve Maryland’s energy security, supply, and resiliency
while protecting against foreign oil market manipulations and possible tariffs?
Why Not
- The Task Force will identify the challenges, barriers, and information gaps preventing
Maryland from achieving economic, energy, and environmental security objectives:
Public education, consumer perception, technological, political/policy, budget,
economic, and social strategies. - The Task Force will identify opportunities and make recommendations to overcome the
challenges, barriers, and information gaps. These recommendations will be science-
based, actionable, measurable, practical, achievable, and will consider Maryland’s
unique needs and resources.
Maryland Biofuels Task Force Organizing Committee
Host Organization
Antoine Thompson, Executive Director, Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
Burl Haigwood, Task Force Coordinator, Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
Organizing Committee
Madi Corbi, Manager, Demand & Market Development, Ohio Soybean Council
Ed Cronin, Transportation Lead and GIS Analyst, Virginia Department of Energy
Stephen Dodge, Director, Northeastern States, Clean Fuels Alliance America
Doug Durante, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition
Danielle Farace, Executive Director, Maryland Soybean Producers Board
Ezra Finkin, Director of Corporate Affairs & Development, Chevron Renewable Energy Group
Jill Hamilton, President, Sustainable Energy Strategies Inc.
Alleyn Harned, President of the Board of Directors, Transportation Energy Partners
Ed Hubbard, General Counsel and VP of Government Affairs, Renewable Fuels Association
Colin Huwyler, CEO, Optimus Technology
Joanne Ivancic, Executive Director, Advanced Biofuels USA
Luis MacDonald, President, AutoFlex, Inc.
Cynthia Maves, Director, Ohio Clean Fuels
Katherine Magruder, Executive Director, Maryland Clean Energy Center
John Mosheim, President, GHG Engineering, LLC
Jonathan Phillips, Executive Director, Groundwork Elizabeth
Russell Presnell, Clean Fleet Engagement Manager, Virginia Clean Cities
Glenn Robinson, Customer Relations, Dixie Land Energy, LLC
Terry Ruse, President, Projects Plus
Mary Stewart, Farmer Representative, Maryland Soybean Producers Board
Lindsay Thompson, Executive Director, Maryland Grain Producers and Utilization Board
For more information, contact Burl Haigwood, Task Force Coordinator at bhaigwood@sesi-
online.com, 703-322-4484 (Sustainable Energy Strategies).