The Obama administration should be commended for supporting strong domestic energy policy by boosting biodiesel production last week under the Renewable Fuel Standard. This decision will stimulate new biodiesel production and create jobs across the country, including right here in Glenville, Albert Lea and Freeborn County.

Biodiesel — made from recycled cooking oil, agricultural oils and animal fats — is the first and only EPA-designated “advanced biofuel” to be produced on a commercial-scale nationwide. The administration’s decision increases the amount of biodiesel that refiners must use to displace petroleum diesel next year to a total of 1.28 billion gallons (out of a U.S. diesel market of about 55 billion gallons).

This gives the biodiesel industry the certainty it needs to boost production and invest in manufacturing plants and technology. It also will diversify our fuel supplies so that we’re not so dependent on global petroleum prices that are so damaging to our national security and economic growth.

The REG Albert Lea facility has the capacity to produce 30 million gallons of clean-burning, advanced biofuel made by more than 25 full-time, green-collar employees. We are proud to be a source of economic development and an energy source for local consumers. With gas prices once again on the rise, the RFS is exactly the kind of smart domestic energy policy we need for the future.

 

Bryan Christjansen

plant manager

REG-Albert Lea

Albert Lea