Michigan Legislators Visit Local Biodiesel

Manufacturer and End Users

On April 14th a group of Michigan legislators had the opportunity to learn more about biodiesel by meeting with industry experts at W2 Fuel and Evergreen Grease, both located in Adrian, MI. Attendees included Representative Jerry Neyer, Representative Andrew Fink and a staff member from Representative Carrie Rheingans’ office.

The day began with a tour of W2 Fuel - a biodiesel plant with the capacity to produce 15 million gallons of biodiesel each year. Representatives heard from Roy Strom, President and CEO of W2 Fuel, about how biodiesel supports Michigan’s economy through revenue and job opportunities and benefits the environment by reducing harmful emissions.

Additionally, legislators were shown the results of an important study by Trinity Consultants that demonstrated switching to B20 would bring $53 million, while B100 would bring $267 million, in potential annual health benefits to Detroit residents – including less respiratory disease and fewer lost workdays.

After touring the biodiesel plant, the legislators were able to speak with representatives from Evergreen Grease, a used cooking oil and grease recycling company. After collecting used cooking oil grease and waste fats from the commercial cooking and restaurant industry, Evergreen is able to process those waste products into a product that can then be turned into biodiesel.

Evergreen has also installed The Vector System, a new engine system created by Optimus Technologies that allows them to run B100, in three of their fleet vehicles with plans to convert their entire fleet. Attendees were able to see this new technology in action and learn how using B100 can cut carbon emissions by up to 86 percent.

The Michigan Soybean Association would like to thank W2 Fuel and Evergreen Grease for hosting this great event and thank Representatives Neyer and Fink and Representative Rheingan's staff for attending and learning more about the positive impact the biodiesel industry is having on the environment and the economy.