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Mayor Newsom Visits Future Site of Local Biodiesel Facility |
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09/12/08 - Biodiesel production in San Francisco is one step closer to reality, now that the San Francisco Port Commission has approved Darling International’s proposal to manufacture the carbon-free fuel at its facility in the city’s southeast. Darling International will build a 7.5 million to 10 million annual gallon capacity biodiesel production facility near Pier 92, which could be in operation within a year.
"Biofuels made from potential food crops are far from ideal, and those made from palm oil grown on plantations cleared out of the rainforest are anathema," said Mayor Newsom. "San Francisco is setting the example by sourcing biodiesel locally, made from the sustainable feedstock of recycled fat, grease and tallow."
The City and County of San Francisco’s entire diesel fleet currently operates on biodiesel fuel. The transfer to biodiesel was achieved through a Mayoral Executive Order. The order required 100% of fleets to use B20 biodiesel, a blend of 80% petroleum diesel and 20% biodiesel, by December 31, 2007, for the City’s 1,500 diesel vehicles.
Darling International has operated a rendering facility on Port property since 1966 and is the Port’s largest maritime exporter. The plan is for Darling to upgrade its Port facilities to convert fats already produced at the facility into high quality biodiesel for use in vehicles. The agreement with the Port also includes Darling’s commitment to make site beautification and other environmental improvements.
Darling International Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Randall Stuewe said, "We are very pleased to be working with both the City and the Port of San Francisco in developing a facility at the Port that will convert used cooking oil from local restaurants into biodiesel."
Port Commission President Kim Brandon praised the proposal. "Darling is a long-time Port maritime tenant. They are an excellent employer committed to operating a clean industrial facility and recruiting for new job openings from the surrounding community." |
