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Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort Fueld with
Biodiesel
Jefferson City, MO
(September 15)-– Biodiesel deliveries are rolling into the Gulf
Coast in an effort to provide the hurricane-stricken areas with
urgently needed fuel.
Biodiesel, a non-toxic, biodegradable fuel
made from renewable resources such as soybean oil and other fats and
vegetable oils, works in any diesel engine, including generators.
The Veggie Van Organization, a
nonprofit advocacy group based in Venice, CA, has partnered with
West Central, a farmer-owned biodiesel company based in Iowa,
and the Naples City Council in Florida to transport 13,000 gallons
of biodiesel to help victims.
The relief effort will focus on smaller
coastal towns south of New Orleans that were among the areas most
severely affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The donated fuel will power a former military
ship owned by Sub Sea Research, as well as makeshift medical
facilities and emergency generators aboard the vessel.
The ship is scheduled to leave Sept. 16 and
will take several tons of food, water, ice and relief supplies to
the victims in devastated areas near the mouth of the Mississippi
River.
“This was the first area hit and it has
received little emergency aid or attention,” said Josh
Tickell, biodiesel advocate and founder of the Veggie Van
Organization.
“Thanks to the biodiesel fuel donated by West
Central and the donations we received online, we'll be able to help
people who need it most and document the work on our website.
"A second biodiesel tanker truck will meet us
in Louisiana.”
Tickell, who is going on the voyage, grew up
in Louisiana and has been promoting biodiesel since 1997, when he
toured the United States in his biodiesel powered “Veggie Van.”
“People are suffering and this is a time when
their fellow Americans should come together to do whatever they can
to help,” said Joe Jobe, chief executive officer of the
National Biodiesel Board, which is helping to coordinate the
biodiesel donations from West Central and other biodiesel producers.
“Food companies are sending food, clothing
companies are sending clothes, and individuals are sending money.
"As a fuel industry organization, we are
trying to help relieve fuel supply shortages in the region.”
Dr. Bailus Walker, a vice president of
the American Public Health Association, noted that biodiesel
significantly reduces emissions compared to regular diesel,
including those that pose a health threat.
“Biodiesel’s health benefits extend beyond
keeping hospitals and emergency vehicles running at this critical
time,” Dr. Walker said.
“Because biodiesel reduces air toxics,
particulate matter, carbon monoxide and other harmful emissions, it
can be particularly helpful to people who have pulmonary and
cardiovascular diseases as well as contribute to overall better air
quality for everyone.”
Biodiesel has the highest energy balance of
any fuel and can be used in its pure form (B100), or blended with
petroleum diesel at any level.
Nationwide, more than 500 major fleets now
use biodiesel commercially, and more than 500 retail filling
stations also make it available to the public.
For more information, contact Jenna Higgins,
NBB at 800-841-5849. See Related Websites/Articles:
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