Complete Story
09/26/2006
Lt. Governor Recognizes Soy Biodiesel as Viable Source for Alternative Energy
Contact:
Jamie Mossbarger
Communications Director
614-476-3100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Lt. Governor Recognizes Soy Biodiesel as Viable Source for Alternative Energy
Columbus, OH Yesterday, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) joined forces with Ohio's Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and other industry supporters at a press conference to identify Ohio's role in reducing dependence on foreign oil with soy biodiesel and recognized COTA as a leader among transit systems across the U.S. for its use of soy biodiesel.
"Soy biodiesel is good for Ohio jobs, the economy and the environment," said Johnson. "There are already a number of soy biodiesel start-up companies in the state and hope to see more in the future because the alternative energy industry is growing."
Soy biodiesel is Ohio's leading alternative fuel. Already production facilities across Ohio are producing nearly 40 million gallons of soy biodiesel and as Johnson explained, this number is expected to increase to nearly 90 million annually within the next year.
Johnson identified Cincinnati based company, Peter Cremer North America, as not only the largest soy biodiesel production facility in the state but this facility leads the nation in production, producing 30 million gallons a year with plans for expansion totaling 50 million gallons per year. He also welcomed the new Toledo area soy biodiesel production plant, American Biodiesel, LLC, expected to begin production within the next year with capacity at 30 million gallons per year.
COTA was also recognized for its efforts in helping to reduce dependence on foreign oil by using soy biodiesel in its 234 buses and creating a cleaner environment for its 15 million passengers. COTA currently uses a B90 blend of soy biodiesel (90 percent soy biodiesel and 10 percent petroleum), the highest blend used by a transit system in the U.S. according to Bill Lhota, CEO / President of COTA.
Representing Ohio soybean farmers and the soybean checkoff was Amy Sigg Davis, OSC chairman and Warren County soybean farmer.
"As a soybean farmer, to say I am excited about the advancements of soy biodiesel would be an understatement," said Davis. "As consumers, we have certainly seen an increased focus on alternative energy sources from auto manufacturers and other industry representatives and I am proud of Ohio's involvement in helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Because of this, I can see nothing but a bright future for soy biodiesel, Ohio's farmers, our economy and the environment. Soy biodiesel is fueling Ohio's future."
Soy biodiesel is available from more than 150 Ohio distributors and consumers can fuel-up at 50 retail locations across the state. Visit http://www.soybiodiesel.org/ for an up-to-date listing of all distributors and locations. Soy biodiesel is cleaner burning compared to petroleum diesel and can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications. Transit bus systems, fleets, school bus districts, farmers and consumers all across Ohio are helping to create a stronger economy, cleaning up the environment and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by using soy biodiesel.
Headquartered in Columbus, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by an 18-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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