Montpelier--Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie announced today that the State of Vermont’s first biodiesel workshop, entitled “Nurturing a Sustainable Biodiesel Industry In Vermont,” will take place September 22nd from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the State House in Montpelier.

The workshop is sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, with support from The Northeast Regional Biomass Program, the Vermont Agencies of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services, the Vermont Department of Public Service, the Vermont Biofuels Association, and the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund.

Lt. Governor Dubie said, “It is important for Vermont to maintain a leading edge in this new industry. It’s a perfect fit with our Green Valley Initiative for creating job growth by promoting innovative environmental technologies like this.” Dubie went on to say that the first step is to get Vermonters together to learn more about the various benefits of Biodiesel, and talk about what next steps the state might take to support the industry.

Workshop participants will hear from fuel, energy and environmental experts, state policy makers, Vermont entrepreneurs, and economic development and agriculture stakeholders.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn how biodiesel is produced from resources such as waste grease, and seed oil crops like soy, canola mustard and others. They will be able to meet with Vermonters involved in the biofuels industry, and others who have successfully used biodiesel in private and government sectors.

Discussions will focus on the challenges facing the production and use of biodiesel in Vermont, and what steps policy makers should be taking.

The cost of the workshop is $15.00 per person for those who pre-register, and $25.00 for registration on the day of the workshop. Due to early registrations, limited spots are available.

Those wishing to attend are urged to register promptly.

For further in formation call Gina Campoli at the Vermont Agency of Transportation at 802-828-5756 or email her at gina.campoli@state.vt.us.

Or go to http://www.aot.state.vt.us/Press.htm