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08/28/2006

OSC Participates in Groundbreaking for Toledo Soy Biodiesel Production and Blending Facility

For Immediate Release: August 25, 2006

Contact:

Jamie Mossbarger

Ohio Soybean Council

Communications Director

614-476-3100

jmossbarger@soyohio.org

OhioSoybean Council Participates in Groundbreaking for Toledo Soy Biodiesel Production and Blending Facility

TOLEDO, OH "This is an important day for the soy biodiesel industry not only in Ohio but throughout the U.S.," said John Lumpe, Ohio Soybean Council Executive Director. "This ground breaking for American Biodiesel means that we just lessened our import of foreign oil by 30 million gallons and truly shows that with soy biodiesel, we are fueling Ohio's future."

Construction of the plant to be located at the Delta Fuels facility on Front Street will begin by the end of the year. Fuel production at the 30-million-gallon-per-year facility should begin by early second quarter of 2007 and be fully ramped up by July 2007.

"Renewable energy is critical to America's future," Finkbeiner said. "This project will create good-paying jobs and put Toledo at the forefront of a growing high-tech industry."

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), a strong supporter of alternative energy, applauded American Biodiesel's plan, saying, "As more and more people recognize that our nation can no longer depend on fossil fuels for inexpensive, accessible energy, companies like American Biodiesel are preparing to step into the breach.We need to dramatically step up our research and investment in developing renewable, clean, affordable energy supplies."

Plans at the plant call for the production of B-100 (100 percent biodiesel) and the company will use soybean oil to produce the fuel. According to American Biodiesel President Dave White, the company is committed to using as much Ohio soybean oil as possible.

"It is exciting to know that with the onset of this plant, Ohio will produce over 75 million gallons of soy biodiesel," said Lumpe. Additionally, availability of soy biodiesel is increasing everyday; Ohio currently has over 150 soy biodiesel distributors and 50 retail locations."

The locally owned and operated plant will also be the first blending facility in Ohio and through a partnership with Delta Fuels, soy biodiesel blends will be created using a mixture of petroleum diesel and soy biodiesel.

"Most Ohioans who want to use soy biodiesel are restricted because of the lack of availability in certain parts of the state," said Lumpe. "Having a terminal blending facility for biodiesel will make it that much easier for petroleum marketers to distribute the blended product lowering the cost and time for transportation which will make the product even more affordable for the public."

Government support for the development of alternative fuels is also spurring development of the market. At the federal level, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created fuel tax rebates for biodiesel including a $1 per gallon for B-100 and $.20 per gallon for B-20. In addition, House Bill 245 requires state vehicles to use biodiesel blends.

Locally, TARTA, University of Toledo vehicles and Ohio Department of Transportation trucks are using soy biodiesel blends. The City of Toledo is also interested in using the fuel for its fleet.

In addition, each diesel Jeep Liberty produced at Daimler-Chrysler's Toledo production facility receives an initial fill of B-5 blend of soy biodiesel.

Soy biodiesel is an alternative fuel produced from soybean oil. It contains no petroleum, but most commonly is mixed with diesel fuel to create a soy biodiesel blend and can be used in most diesel engines with little or no modifications. It offers environmental and engine benefits. It significantly cuts the emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and virtually all sulfur. Soy biodiesel blends increase lubricity, adding to engine life by preventing premature wear and tear. With soy biodiesel's high flash point and non-toxicity, it is extremely safe to use and handle. It also has the highest energy balance of any fuel according to a Department of Energy's Life Cycle Analysis. For every unit of energy put in to producing soy biodiesel, 3.2 units are gained.

Headquartered in Columbus, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by a 17-member volunteer farmer board, which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program. The program's primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting research and development projects through the investment of farmer-contributed funds.

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