Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Environmental Services Solutions
MARC-IV Consulting has been dedicated to advancing a biobased economy through innovative agricultural solutions for over two decades. Founded in 1993 by Steve Howell and Alan Weber, our firm combines technical expertise with economic insight to support farmers, industry organizations, and government agencies. We specialize in developing sustainable products, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and shaping policies that benefit agriculture and the environment.Our team brings decades of experience in biodiesel standards, market analysis, and strategic planning, serving clients from Fortune 500 companies to startups. With a focus on quality management and regulatory compliance, we help transform biobased visions into commercial realities. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and agricultural innovation positions us as leaders in the transition to a low-carbon future.
Services
Biobased Product Development
Technical Consulting
Economic Modeling
Policy Development
Stakeholder Collaboration
Quality Management
Regulatory Compliance
Strategic Planning
Research & Development
Market Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 20 years of experience in biobased consulting and agricultural innovation
- Technical and economic expertise in renewable resource development
- Proven collaboration with stakeholders across the value chain
- Leadership in biodiesel standards development with ASTM and ISO
- Team with advanced degrees and industry-specific certifications
Associations and certifications
- ASTM International
- ISO
What people say
Proven industry leadership
Technical excellence
Strong stakeholder engagement
Innovative solutions
Decades of experience
Services
Biobased Product Development
We help clients transform agricultural resources into commercial biobased products. Our team provides technical guidance, market analysis, and regulatory support to ensure sustainable and economically viable solutions. With expertise in biodiesel and renewable diesel, we bridge the gap between innovation and industry needs.
Technical Consulting
Our consultants offer specialized knowledge in agricultural engineering, fuel standards, and emissions testing. We assist with ASTM and ISO compliance, engine calibration, and quality management programs. Clients benefit from our hands-on experience in advancing low-carbon technologies and policy frameworks.
Economic Modeling
We develop economic models to assess biofuel market impacts and policy outcomes. Our work quantifies benefits like job creation and reduced emissions, supporting data-driven decisions for stakeholders. This includes RFS2 compliance and state-level policy evaluations.
Policy Development
MARC-IV shapes policies that promote biobased industries. We engage with federal and state agencies to advocate for sustainable practices, feedstock expansion, and market incentives. Our team has influenced biodiesel standards and environmental regulations for over 20 years.
Stakeholder Collaboration
We facilitate collaboration among diverse industry groups, governments, and researchers. By aligning interests, we drive consensus on technical standards, quality protocols, and market development strategies. This approach has unified over 75% of U.S. diesel engine makers around biodiesel adoption.
People
Steve Howell
President & Founder
Steve Howell leads MARC-IV's technical initiatives, chairing ASTM's biodiesel task force and advising on ISO standards. With a chemical engineering background from Iowa State University, he has driven industry advancements since 1993, focusing on sustainable fuel technologies and policy.
Alan Weber
Co-Founder
Alan Weber co-founded MARC-IV and directs economic and policy projects. A University of Missouri agricultural economist, he helped establish the National Biodiesel Board's Washington office and serves on USDA advisory committees, blending farm expertise with industry leadership.
Courtney Videchak
Diesel Engine Specialist
Dr. Courtney Videchak specializes in low-carbon fuel integration at MARC-IV. With a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan, she optimizes engine calibrations for biodiesel and renewable diesel, supporting OEM engagement and ASTM standards development.
Rebecca Richardson
Technical Director
Rebecca Richardson oversees MARC-IV's technical programs, including quality management systems and industry training. Her work has shaped national biodiesel standards and earned her a seat on the National Conference on Weights and Measures board, ensuring regulatory alignment.
Questions
What industries does MARC-IV Consulting serve?
We primarily serve agricultural, biofuel, and renewable energy sectors, helping develop biobased products and sustainable policies.
How does MARC-IV support biodiesel development?
We lead technical standards committees, conduct emissions testing, and facilitate stakeholder collaboration to advance biodiesel adoption and quality protocols.
Can MARC-IV help with regulatory compliance?
Yes, we guide clients through ASTM, ISO, and EPA requirements, ensuring compliance with fuel quality and environmental regulations.
What regions does MARC-IV operate in?
While based in Missouri, we work nationally with stakeholders across the U.S. agricultural and energy sectors.
How does MARC-IV approach stakeholder collaboration?
We facilitate consensus among diverse groups, using structured processes to align interests and drive industry-wide solutions.