Maryland to get biodiesel refineries

[Thom Little]

Biodiesel production is coming to Maryland in the new year, promising benefits for farmers and the environment.

Government incentives promoting alternative fuels have helped inspire plans for as many as three refineries, two near Frederick in Central Maryland and one on the Eastern Shore. All would refine relatively clean-burning biodiesel from soybean oil, which is produced when soybeans are crushed to make meal for livestock feed.

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Homegrown diesel has been largely a Midwestern phenomenon, spurred by the grain industry and a new Minnesota law requiring that all diesel fuel sold in that state be mixed with at least 2 percent biodiesel.

But the trend is spreading to the East Coast, with refineries operating in Virginia and New York, and one under construction in Delaware.

"We're excited about it," said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Lewis R. Riley. He said the administration of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. encourages biodiesel production in the state to help increase fuel supplies and expand the market for agricultural products.



http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-bz.biodiesel03jan03,1,4088667.story?coll=bal-business-headlines