Members of the scientific community have been asked to go online and add their names to the list of biodiesel supporters.

So far more than 80 scientists have done so, agreeing that biodiesel can reduce dependence on petroleum, help address climate change and boost domestic economies.

Signers also pledge their support for further research on biodiesel, which will enhance its status as a sustainable fuel for transportation and other uses.

Dr Roger Beachy, president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis and Dr. Rob Myers, of the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute in Columbia, Mo. are co-chairs of this ongoing campaign.

Myers believes biodiesel is an obvious choice as a fuel for the future.

He says it's a good fit with the nation's goals for domestically produced, renewable energy sources.

United Soybean Board Communications Chair Vanessa Kummer also says it's good to see the scientific community coming out in support of biodiesel.

The US soybean checkoff has a long-term investment in researching sustainable, renewable biodiesel and has been a powerhouse in increasing biodiesel production from 500,000 gallons in 1999 to nearly 700 million gallons in 2008.

Kummer says it's important to increase awareness of the science behind using soy biodiesel as an answer to decreasing US dependence on petroleum, while still providing food, feed and fiber for the world.