Votes on separate amendments to extend the biodiesel tax credit for one year - going back to January 1st when it expired - were expected in the U.S. Senate this week as part of a pending highway bill. But the industry concedes that competitions could complicate things.

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow and Top Ag Republican Pat Roberts both want to extend the so-called biodiesel blender’s credit - key to sustaining the industry. The credit lapsed in 2010 - resulting in plant closures and many job losses - before it was restored last year and expired again in December. But National Biodiesel Board Spokesman Ben Evans says the Stabenow and Roberts amendments have political elements