Greentech Lead America: The benefits of biodiesel will be
demonstrated at the Biodiesel Green Room event at the Twin Cities Auto Show,
from March 10-18 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The organizers of the exhibit are planning to offer
information on biodiesel, staff to answer questions, and new vehicles like the
Audi A3 TDI, which gets an estimated 42 miles per gallon (highway) on B5
biodiesel.
“The five percent biodiesel blend now powering
diesel vehicles in Minnesota provides roughly the same clean air benefits as
removing 55,000 vehicles from the road every year. The new diesel-powered
vehicles are significantly cleaner and quieter than past models, and include
advanced pollution control systems,” said Kelly Marczak, outdoor air
program director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota.
Minnesota was the first state in the nation to require
biodiesel blends at all diesel retail outlets. The state has an annual
production capacity of 63 million gallons of biodiesel, made primarily from
locally grown soybeans. Biodiesel production uses only the oil portion of the
soybean, leaving all of the protein available for animal and human consumption.
“I’m proud to grow the soybeans that help make
America’s first advanced biofuel. Biodiesel is homegrown energy that reduces
America’s dependence on foreign oil, helping to strengthen our energy security
while protecting the environment. It’s something we can all stand behind,”
said Brian Greenslit, vice president of the Minnesota Soybean Research &
Promotion Council.