Revitalizing rural communities
That ’ s not a typo . Removing emissions . Breathing easier . Biodiesel ’ s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent is why the Environmental Protection Agency recognizes it as the only advanced biofuel .
Revitalizing rural communities
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture , the biodiesel industry contributes $ 1.7 billion annually in the state , while supporting 5,397 jobs . Nationwide , there are approximately 200 biodiesel plants , which provide nearly 48,000 jobs . These are often hard-hit areas where employment options are few . Leaving for “ greener pastures ” is no longer the only option .
“ Biodiesel is another step in increasing the diversity of our energy needs ,” says Tom Slunecka , CEO , Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council . “ Minnesota soybean farmers are proud to be leaders in growing that diversity .”
In 2002 , Minnesota became the first state to require that all diesel fuel sold here contain at least 2 percent blend of biodiesel . In the summer of 2018 , Minnesota will be the first to move to B20 , a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel .
The benefits of biodiesel are considerable , not just for Minnesota , but for the country as a whole . Here in Florida , many incentives are offered for the use and production of biodiesel , including excise tax exemption , and grant matching . The Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies ( REET ) Grant Matching Program provides matching grants of $ 50,000 to $ 400,000 for demonstration , commercialization , research , and development projects relating to renewable energy technologies , bioenergy , and innovative technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency for vehicles .
The City of Orlando ’ s Green Works initiative , now in its tenth year , works to transform Orlando into one of the most environmentally-friendly , economically and socially vibrant communities in the nation . Green Works Orlando represents our commitment to build partnerships and share resources that foster positive environmental changes . And the City Beautiful goes even beyond just biodiesel usage .
Some Green Works Orlando successes include :
• Expanded the Downtown LYMMO bus circulator and completed SunRail
• Launched car-sharing with bike-sharing
• Converted hundreds of fleet vehicles to electric , hybrid , or compressed natural gas
• Performed energy efficiency retrofits to 1,200 houses
• Completed ten LEED-certified municipal buildings , plus two more currently under construction
• Completed or approved $ 19 million in energy efficiency investments to municipal buildings
• Planted 10,000 trees and established five community gardens
• Increased recycling collection by 35 %
To learn more about biodiesel , visit www . mnsoybean . org . And to learn more about Green Works Orlando , visit www . cityoforlando . net / greenworks .
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