BioDiesel: A Natural Blend to Stretch Petroleum Supplies;
Albany Seminar 3/18 Promotes Fuel for Cleaner Air, Energy Independence
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tom Collins, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext 3250.
Albany Mar 13, 2002--As part of Governor George E. Pataki's orders
for cleaner diesel operation, the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy's
Renewable Diesel Program will host a diesel seminar Monday, (3/18)
8:30 a.m.--4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Turf, 205 Wolf Rd, Albany.
The conference will examine the benefits of biodiesel. Biodiesel is
a natural, biologically based substitute for diesel fuel that is made
by chemically processing oils or fats. Biodiesel can be used alone,
or blended with petroleum diesel fuel to yield a cleaner, renewable
fuel for transportation and home heating oil use.
"This conference will address the issues that surround biodiesel,
such as availability, performance and price. We'll describe NYSERDA's
work to research and deploy the economic and environmental benefits
of this technology for cleaner diesel fuels," said NYSERDA President
William M. Flynn. "NYSERDA aims to make bio-diesel a cleaner
option to fossil fuels in response to Governor Pataki's commitment
to protect our environment and improve the State's economy."
Diesel exhaust is a significant pollutant, with studies linking
it to increased cancer rates and lung diseases. New EPA standards
for emissions controls and cleaner diesel fuel will take effect in
2006 and 2007. However, since diesel engines are so durable, older,
dirtier diesels will be with us well beyond 2007.
This workshop will provide information on clean, renewable alternatives
to diesel, with a focus on biodiesel. The program will address biodiesel
basics, production and standards, economic and environmental impacts,
in both the transportation and home-heating fuel sectors. Blends ranging
from 10%-30% of chemically processed cooking oils, vegetable oils,
rendered animal fats can be burned successfully with diesel to cut
fuel costs, improve emissions and stretch petroleum supplies.
NYSERDA is currently investing nearly $700,000 in projects to develop,
demonstrate, or help commercialize biodiesel, or bio-heating fuels
in five projects across the State. The biodiesel blend projects include
testing blends in home heating applications and using yellow grease
to produce biodiesel, on-site, to fuel agricultural equipment. NYSERDA
is funding efforts to manufacture, market and sell bio-diesel in the
Buffalo-Niagara region for use in 140 Niagara Frontier Transportation
Authority buses.
Fleet and transportation managers, school bus supervisors, power generators,
commercial marine operators, home heating oil distributors, public
officials, and the general public are encouraged to attend. The workshop
registration fee is $25.
For program and registration information, contact: NYSERDA at 866-697-3732.
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