The Forest Foundation, Inc.

Bull City Biofuels today announced the opening of the first pump for pure, US-made, environmentally friendly biodiesel in Durham

An official ribbon cutting and Community Party was held in downtown Durham. The festivities began at 4:30 with short addresses by Durham Mayor Pro Tem Cora Cole-McFadden, State Energy Office Director Larry Shirley, and other dignitaries. Biodiesel supporters enjoyed ice cream from Maple View Farms and other entertainment while diesel vehicles lined up to fuel with biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a very low-emissions diesel fuel made from vegetable oil, and is completely renewable. It is non-toxic, biodegrable and it is often made from used fryer grease from restaurants, helping reduce greenhouse gases and its environmental impacts. The pump is located on Ellis Rd. at the corner of Pettigrew off the Briggs Ave. exit of NC. 147 and it is accessible to all members of the Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative. Individuals and businesses interested in using the pump are encouraged to join the Cooperative on line at www.biofuels.coop. Piedmont Biofuels is a worker and member owned cooperative. Its mission is to lead the grassroots sustainability movement in North Carolina by using and encouraging the use of clean, renewable biofuels.

“With the increase in gasoline prices and concern about our regional air quality, this is a great time to expand, environmentally friendly fuel options,” stated Ellen Reckhow, Chairman, Durham County Board of Commissioners prior to the event.

“This is a great event for our community, and an opportunity to learn more about this renewable, sustainable technology,” said Marc Dreyfors, President of The Forest Foundation, and co-founder of Bull City Biodiesel Cooperative. “Increasing the use of biodiesel in the Triangle will do much to promote energy independence for our country, and build more sustainable community interactions.”

“Piedmont Biofuels is a national leader in making, storing and distributing biodiesel,” Lyle Estill, the biofuel cooperative’s VP of Stuff, pointed out. “Bull City Biodiesel is a great opportunity for our Coop to contribute our know-how to a wider community and to reach more people who are passionate about renewable energy.”

Millions of gallons of biodiesel are already used in North Carolina every year, much of it by large diesel fleets, such as those operated by the NC Department of Transportation, the City of Raleigh, RDU airport, Duke University, and several school systems. Most of the biodiesel is mixed with petroleum diesel, used in blends like B20 (20 percent biodiesel). Bull City Biodiesel offers a 99% biodiesel blend (B99) available directly to Durham consumers.

Funded in part with a grant from the State Energy Office and the Triangle J Council of Governments, Bull City Biodiesel is a joint project of The Forest Foundation and Piedmont Biofuels to bring pure, low-emissions, US-made biodiesel to convenient locations in the Triangle area. Photos and more information at http://bullcitybiodiesel.org/.

The Forest Foundation (TFF) is a Durham-based non-profit organization that promotes sustainable livelihoods through its programs in environmental education and “green” business development. TFF supports dozens of artisans and producer groups; promotes the principles of fair trade, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development; helps empower women; and has initiated projects in over a dozen countries. More information at http://theforestfoundation.org/.