2008 Year in Review

American Grown Performance Hitting Illinois Highways

This summer, Illinois fuel users will find out what Illinois soybean farmers have been saying for years, biodiesel is good for their engines. With biodiesel set to be labeled at Illinois pumps on July 1, the Illinois Soybean Association is helping diesel users take notice of this American grown fuel and the benefits it has for your engine.

"Biodiesel has been on the scene for more than ten years and has billions of miles under its belt," said David Hartke, chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association and soybean grower from Teutopolis, Ill.

"Made from renewable feedstocks like soybeans, biodiesel is helping fuel America, while leaving the protein of soybeans to feed the world."

Soybeans, which are made of roughly 80 percent protein and 20 percent oil, can be used for both oil and feed consumption purposes.

Soybean farmers aren't the only ones taking note of biodiesel's renewable qualities. The Illinois Department of Transportation already runs B5 (5 percent biodiesel, 95 percent petroleum diesel) in their engines, and plans to showcase biodiesel on their 1,500 diesel vehicles via bumper stickers from the Illinois Soybean Association.

"IDOT is committed to the use and promotion of biodiesel. We realize that biodiesel use can be instrumental in the reduction of our dependence on foreign oil, reduction of pollution and is a stimulus for agriculture and the economy of Illinois," said Milton R. Sees, Illinois Secretary of Transportation.

Peru-based carrier Double D Express, also is a supporter of biodiesel. Their fleet of 275 trailers will display the "American Grown Performance" biodiesel decals on the back panel as they roll down Illinois highways and three of their trailers are wrapped with a moving advertisement for biodiesel, including one American Grown Performance trailer.

"The success of our employee-owners, as well as our customers' success, is directly tied to the cost of diesel fuel. It is painful to send our hard earned dollars to Middle East countries," said Josh Francque, President of Double D, Inc. "Biodiesel helps take some of the sting out of these high prices. The move to biodiesel represents one of our company's greatest win-win strategies."

Biodiesel is a sustainable option for American fuel. For every unit of energy used to produce biodiesel (everything from field to fuel pump), it gives 3.5 units of energy back.

"Biodiesel is a proven, cleaner-burning diesel fuel and the only alternative fuel to complete the health effects and emissions testing as stipulated in the Clean Air Act," added Hartke. "It also has superior lubricity and is a perfect companion to #2 ultra-low sulfur diesel."

Illinois is the largest consumer of biodiesel in the nation. To find out more about biodiesel, visit American Grown Performance.

ISA is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean farmers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotion and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans and administer legislative and membership programs. For more information visit Illinois Soybean Association.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
June 19, 2008