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January 2012: NWBN Directions 2012The January Forum will be an open discussion with attendees so that the NWBN Board of Direcgtors can receive feedback from you about the NW Biodiesel Network. Please come and participate in this important discussion about how we as an organization can serve the NW Biodiesel Community the best. Whether you are a:
- Customer
- Producer
- Distributor
- Fleet user
- Co-op participant
- Concerned Citizen
- ...or any other
we need to get your input!
For the past several years, the NWBN has been delivering Education Forums and community outreach events promoting the benefits and use of biodiesel fuel. As we start this new year, we want to take time to evaluate our effectiveness and assess what programs our biodiesel community would like the NWBN to undertake in the coming year and beyond.
We are currently conducting a broad survey from our members on their thoughts about goals and priorities for the Network. However, we also wanted conduct an open discussion with attendees to gain insight and understanding as to the value, effectiveness, and direction, as the NWBN considers setting its direction and goals for 2012.
November 2011: The State of Biodiesel
After taking a beating in 2010 because of the expiration of the Biodiesel Blender's credit, the US Biodiesel industry is finally picking up some steam again. According to this article, the industry is on track to nearly double the amount of biodiesel produced in this country for 2011.
On the other hand, there are many (including some in the industry) who think that Biodiesel has an uncertain future (check out this article in this month's Biodiesel Magazine) due to controversy about ILU (indirect land use), Food vs Fuel, Big Oil politics, and the public's lack of enthusiasm for any subsidies on their dime...
So what is the state of Biodiesel in this neck of the woods? Is it recovering? Has it recession-proofed itself? Or has it found other markets to help mitigate the vagaries of the market, and congressional weathervaning?
The NW Biodiesel Network’s November Education Forum is pleased to present of representatives from industry and government to discuss the issues that they are facing, and answer your questions. Our confirmed panel will include:
- OR: Gavin Carpenter - Sequential BioFuels
- WA: John Plaza - Imperium Renewables
- Government: Peter Moulton - WA State Department of Commerce
About Our Scheduled Speakers:
Gavin Carpenter
Gavin Carpenter is Regional Sales Manager for SeQuential-Pacific Biodiesel and their subsidiary, Encore Oils. His responsibilities include securing and purchasing used cooking oil for production and selling ASTM spec biodiesel out of the 17 million gallon per year facility in Salem, Oregon. Additional areas include managing the RINS program, submitting RFP’s for available grants, and monitoring policy and legislative initiatives. Gavin has been with SeQuential since May 2006 and in his current position since December ’08. A graduate of the University of Oregon, he currently resides in Portland with his wife and three dogs.
John Plaza
Mr. Plaza is a recognized national expert in the field of biodiesel and alternative fuels who has testified before Congressional committees and presents regularly at forums and events related to energy policy and renewable fuels in Europe, the Americas and Australasia. His expertise has been requested at global conferences to illustrate the importance of biofuels to the aviation industry, as well as the opportunities for growth with 2nd generation feedstocks.
Mr. Plaza founded Imperium Renewables in February 2004 by building Seattle Biodiesel, the first commercial scale biodiesel production facility in the Western United States. The company's core focus was to develop and build advanced technology for biofuel production which differentiated itself in the market with fuel quality, scale and sustainability.
This innovative direction helped Imperium to grow significantly over a short time period. By 2007, Imperium developed, built and now currently operates Imperium Grays Harbor, one of the largest biodiesel production facilities in the world at 100 million gallons per year.
Prior to founding Imperium Renewables, Mr. Plaza was a commercial airline pilot for 20 years, starting his career in Alaska as a bush pilot then going on to fly for Northwest Airlines for the last 10 years of his flying career
Peter Moulton
Peter Moulton is a Senior Energy Policy Specialist for the Washington State Department of Commerce. He serves as the Emerging Technologies Team Leader for the State Energy Office, and the state’s Bioenergy Coordinator, where he oversees interagency support for biofuel, biopower and coproduct development through public policy, research and incentive programs. He also facilitates public and private efforts to expand production, distribution and use of bioenergy, including federal and state financial assistance.
He has participated in numerous collaborative efforts, including DNR’s Biomass Initiative and Forest Biomass Assessment, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest. He also serves as an advisory to the State Energy Strategy revision process.
Prior to joining Commerce, Peter developed and coordinated Climate Solutions’ Harvesting Clean Energy Program promoting rural economic development in the Northwest region through clean energy production. His diverse background includes careers in watershed management, environmental education, nonprofit management and media production.
October 2011: Fuel Quality and Performance Issues
Fuel quality is something we take for granted, and is a critical issue in any vehicle. How do we know that the fuel we buy for our vehicles is of high quality and will not cause problems, and also maximize performance? How is quality ensured in production and distribution? What does the state do to ensure quality? What is involved in testing biodiesel? What makes Biodiesel more prone to contamination or poor quality?
The NW Biodiesel Network’s October Education Forum is pleased to present a panel of local representatives from government, production, distribution and testing to discuss fuel quality and performance, and answer your questions. Our panel will include representatives from:
- State Government – Jerry Buendel, WA State Department of Agriculture
- A Biodiesel Producer – Shawn Noble, General Biodiesel Inc.
- A Biodiesel Distributor – Bett Lucas, Sound Refining
- A Biofuel Testing Laboratory – Jeff Fetkenhour, Gorge Analytical LLC
About Our Speakers:
Shawn Nobel
Shawn is the Production Manager for General Biodiesel and is a process chemical engineer by training. He has worked at General Biodiesel for 7 months; prior to that he was involved in biodiesel production at another facility.
Jerry Buendel
Jerry Buendel is the Program Manager at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). He manages the Weights and Measures Program and the Agricultural Investigations Program. Jerry began his WSDA career in 1997 and has held various positions within the agency. The Weights and Measures Program inspects and tests measurement and dispensing devices for accuracy and suitability for service. The program also monitors motor fuel quality, including biofuels quality, by analyzing fuel samples for octane, oxygenate, and other product quality factors. Jerry holds a Bachelors degree from Texas State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California. Before coming to WSDA he completed a career in the Air Force as an officer and a pilot.
Bett Lucas
Bett is the Sales Manager at Sound Refining, the first terminal in Washington State to offer in-line ratio blended biodiesel. By opening the doors to this offering Sound Refining has assisted in growing biodiesel blends in the Pacific Northwest Market. Currently they offer B2, B5, B10, B20, B40, B75, and B99 to the wholesale market. Sound Refining also assists in providing supply and logistics for major oil companies and state contracts blending biodiesel. Sound Refining also provides ethanol blends into the wholesale market as well as marine fuels for the tugboats, and fishing vessels, wholesale propane, and industrial fuel.
Sound Refining is a locally family owned company in Tacoma, WA. They enjoy being a part of the community and are involved in Rebuilding Together South Sound, Propeller Scholarship Foundation, Multi-care Health Foundation and the local Sea Scouts.
Jeff Fetkenhour
Jeff Fetkenhour is the president and owner of Gorge Analytical, LLC. Gorge Analytical, LLC is an independent laboratory with a core competency in the testing and analysis of Biofuel, Biofuel co-products, and the feedstock materials used in the manufacturing of Biofuel. Gorge Analytical, LLC also serves as the West Coast Regional Call Center for the National Biodiesel Board’s troubleshooting hotline.
Jeff Fetkenhour is a member of ASTM and serves on committee D02 for fuel related materials as well as subcommittees focused on biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Jeff has participated in a number of industry technical workgroups and has given presentations on quality to groups such as the Western States Biofuels Association and the Oregon Public Fleet Managers Group. He has also been published in Biodiesel Magazine regarding laboratory testing performance indicators. Jeff combines technical expertise with forward-thinking leadership and management to accelerate the continuous improvement required in the industry.
September 2011: Public Sector Use of Biodiesel Fuel
Are local and state governments using biodiesel fuel to lower their carbon footprints?
If so, who is using biodiesel fuel, how much are they using, and whom are they purchasing from? How are these decisions made and why?
On September 27th (7pm) the NW Biodiesel Network’s Education Forum series is pleased to present a panel of representatives from state and local governments to discuss how the public sector is using biodiesel, and answer your questions. Our panel will include:
- Allen Mitchell, Snohomish County
- Fred Chun, City of Tacoma
- Steve Krueger, WA State General Administration
- Dave Seavey, Director, Seattle’s Fleet Services Division
About Our Speakers
Allen M. Mitchell, CPFP
Allen, a Certified Public Fleet Professional, is the Manager of the Fleet Management Division of the award winning Snohomish County Public Works Department. He has served in this capacity since October 1992, and is responsible for managing a broad range of county 2,600 fleet assets valued at $60 million. Fleet serves all county departments and provides fifteen cities, tribes and state agencies maintenance support of approximately 1,000 vehicles.
Allen has been successful in “greening” the Snohomish County fleet through the implementation of emerging technologies such as retrofitting diesel equipment with diesel oxidation catalysts, use of B10 to B40 blends of biodiesel and E85 ethanol, purchasing light duty gasoline electric hybrids and medium duty diesel electric hybrids, rightsizing and downsizing fleet equipment, installing electric vehicle supply equipment and electric vehicles, global positioning system technology and auto vehicle locate systems. He has also implemented green fleet policies and procedures as well as a green fleet plan.
Through the efforts of Allen and his staff, Snohomish County has received Washington State Ecology, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and DOE grant funds (EECBG and Clean Cities) to advance the use of alternative fuels and replace county fleet equipment with alternative fuel vehicles and emerging technology vehicles in order to reduce the use of petroleum and greenhouse gas emissions. They have won numerous awards, including:
Environmental Leadership Award 2009 and 2010, Government Fleet Magazine
Evergreen Fleets - 3 Star Certification in 2009, 4 Star Certification in 2010
NAFA Green Fleet Award 2009
100 Best Government Fleets In North America – 2007 through 2011
100 Best Government Green Fleets in 2008, 2009 and 2010
Sustainable Commitment Award – Puget Sound Clean Cities 2007
Fred Chun
Fred has over twenty years of service in the fleet industry and has been the Fleet Manager at the City of Tacoma for the past 5 years. Prior to joining City of Tacoma, Fred worked as the Sound Transit’s Regional Bus Maintenance and Operations Project Manager and Assistant Vehicle Maintenance Manager at Pierce County Transit. A graduate of Central Washington University with a business degree, Fred has also completed the Heavy Duty Diesel Technology Program at South Seattle Community College.
Representing the City of Tacoma, Fred has been serving on the PSCCC steering committee since 2006. In 2007, PSCCC awarded Fred the Spirit Award for his green fleet efforts for Tacoma as well as for the coalition. He participated on the committee in development of the Evergreen Fleet Initiative as sole representative from the Pierce County region. Fred also represented Sound Transit's bus system as a member of the PSCCC implementing DPF system installations and implementing hybrid transit bus fleet for Sound Transit. His vision as a steering committee member is to work with the members greening public/private fleets while sustaining practicality and feasibility from operational and financial perspectives.
Steve Krueger
Steve Krueger currently serves as the Policy and Protest Manager for Washington State Department of General Administration. Prior to his current position, Steve led Washington’s Strategic Sourcing effort and through his work, in 2008, Washington State won the NIGP Best practice award and the NASPO George Cronin award. Steve also developed and awarded Washington’s $120 million master fuel contract which resulted in him being honored with the 2005 NIGP Buyer of the Year award from the Washington State NIGP local chapter. Steve credits his success to the support of his superiors and the well rounded stakeholder perspective he gained from his private sector experience in government sales and marketing & public relations. Steve is passionate about the advancement in procurement and those who know him would best characterize Steve as passionate, innovative, capable and a team player with a unique sense of humor.
Steve is a Certified Public Purchasing Officer and Certified Public Purchasing Buyer.
August 2011: NWBN 1st Annual Biodiesel Car Show & Education Forum.
Ever wonder what cars can run biodiesel? Will the 2011 cars work with biodiesel? Do you need to make modifications? Can you get a diesel smart car? A small truck? Do you need to do anything special to your car in the winter? Can you buy an old Mercedes diesel and run biodiesel in it?
The NW Biodiesel Network is hosting its first Biodiesel Car Show and Education Forum focused on mechanical issues on Saturday, August 20, from 12-3 pm. We will have cars there for you to view and experts there to answer your questions.
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present “Dr. Dan” Dan Freeman of Dr. Dan's Biodiesel, and Peter Ellison of Bug-Aid - European Auto Repair And Engineering .
- Dan is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced biodiesel-friendly mechanics in the area, and is a frequent participant and contributor at NW Biodiesel Network Education Forums.
- Peter of Bug-Aid is well known to many diesel users in the Seattle area, and we look forward to Peter’s insights.
And, thanks to Brown Bear Car Wash for donating door prizes.
More information about biodiesel ready vehicles can be found here.
So come learn about biodiesel friendly cars and get your questions answered!
Time: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm,
Location: Seattle Phinney Center (LOWER LOT), 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103.
Cost: is Free.
Note the Saturday date and afternoon meeting time!
The regular Tuesday Education Forum is CANCELED for August.
July 2011: Feedstock and Agricultural Issues
What role do feedstocks and agricultural issues play in the food and fuel debate? How do they affect sustainable biofuels production, and agriculture and farm policy? Are they part of a sound environmental policy? An energy policy? Can we grow sufficient feedstocks to displace petroleum?
The NW Biodiesel Network’s July Education Forum follows-up on last month’s fuel and food discussion with a look at feedstocks and agriculture issues. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in transforming conventional farming to a more sustainable and environmentally balanced agriculture practice, and how that translates to local feedstock availability.
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Pat Binns of Westbrook Associates LLC, and Steve Verhey of Cascadia Carbon Institute. Pat and Steve bring a wealth of experience to this subject.
About Our Speakers:
Pat Binns, Westbrook Associates LLC
Pat Binns is the principal of Westbrook Associates. He recently co-authored and co-edited a Green Agriculture report for the UN Environment Program (UNEP) that addressed the major challenges and opportunities involved in transforming conventional farming to a more sustainable and environmentally balanced agriculture practice. This report is one of the chapters in UNEP's recently released Green Economy Report.
He is also currently preparing a paper on low carbon and ecological footprint agriculture for the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In addition, he was actively involved in, and well acquainted with, the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest work effort.
Steve Verhey, Cascadia Carbon Institute
Steve Verhey, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Cascadia Carbon Institute, and co-founder of Central Washington Biodiesel, both in Ellensburg. The Cascadia Carbon Institute is a nonprofit think tank dedicated to educating policymakers, agriculturalists, industry, and the public about sustainability, agriculture, renewable energy, and global climate change. Dr. Verhey’s involvement in sustainable agriculture and energy began while he was a graduate student at Oregon State University. He has served as a consultant for a variety of national and international renewable energy projects aimed at using feedstocks from algae to yellow grease as sources of energy.
June 2011: Food versus Fuel?
Biofuels have been blamed for high commodity prices, food shortages, rain forest destruction, bad agricultural policies worldwide, and environmental disaster. Understanding the issues surrounding using biofuels is critical to making rational decisions about our future energy policy and determining if they're truly a valid fossil fuels alternative.
The NW Biodiesel Network's June Education Forum will present a discussion on both sides of this issue. We have invited experts representing both perspectives to have a calm, respectful and fact-based discussion on the issues and potential conflicts. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions on the issue and reach their own conclusion on this issue.
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present:
- Daniel Shafer, Principal Manager of Beaver Biodiesel in Oregon, which "manufactures premium quality biodiesel fuel derived from recycled cooking oil and animal tallow"
- Russ Finley, NW Ebike Network Founding Member who has written extensively on Biodiversity and Biofuel issues over the years
- Atul Deshmane, CEO and President of Whole Energy
- Derik Andreoli, Energy Transitions Northwest founding member and Peak Oil specialist who has presented on topics such as "Oil For Dinner. How Peak Oil and politics affect what we eat."
Download a Flyer Download a Flyer here and help us promote this event!
May 2011: Sustainable Fuel Research at WSU
Some of the most innovative research in the world is happening at Washington State University. WSU is leading the way in sustainable fuel research that will profoundly impact the way we live. Their research, ranging from diverse biomass feedstock for biofuels to diverse transportation and other end uses, will drive innovation in the areas of agriculture, clean tech, and engineering.
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present John Gardner, Ph.D., Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs at Washington State University, who will share with us the innovative work being conducted at WSU, including areas of bio-crop; bio-mass to bio-fuel; and bio-fuel to clean electrical power. Come join us for this very interesting evening with John, and learn what is happening at WSU and get your questions answered! Cost is Free.
About Our Speaker:
John Gardner, Ph.D.
Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs - Washington State University
John Gardner is the Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs at Washington State University, a position created to align strategies for engagement with alumni and friends of WSU, donors, government, and the public and private sectors.
His work on the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest steering committee and with Farm to Fly to develop alternative bio jet fuel has linked commercial outcomes with WSU’s research in the areas of agriculture, clean tech and engineering. To continue his passion for sustainable business practices, Gardner will soon take up the position of Dean at the Bainbridge Graduate Institute in July.
Dr. Gardner is a native of the Kansas City area where he earned degrees in agriculture and agronomy at Kansas State University, and a PhD at the University of Nebraska in plant physiology.
April 2011: Biomass and Tech Commercialization
Our national government invests enormous resources to increase our energy capacity and to reduce our dependence on imported oil through research in hydrogen and biomass-based fuels. National Laboratories around the country partner with academia, other government agencies, and businesses to conduct research and to advance innovative technologies, then help to move the products to commercialization for public use.
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, manages 10 national laboratories around the country with one located in Richland, Washington – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). PNNL has approximately 4,700 staff and has a business volume of $881 million. So what does PNNL do? What type of research is being conducted, especially around biomass? How will their research help us develop domestic renewable energy, and how much of that will be Biodiesel? How will the country benefit from their research?
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Rick Orth, Ph.D. and Eric Lund Ph.D., of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Dr. Orth and Dr. Lund will share with us the types of research conducted around biomass and how prototypes are commercialized. This is a great opportunity to learn about the process, emerging products and trends, and where biomass conversion is headed in the future.
About Our Speakers:
E C. LUND, Ph.D. (absent)
Technology Commercialization Manager, Chemistry Portfolio
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Dr. E.C Lund has been a technology transfer and licensing professional since 1995. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory he manages the chemistry and physical sciences portfolio of technologies.
This portfolio contains a range of intellectual property in the areas of chemical processing and catalysis including bio-based (renewables) chemistry, materials synthesis and functionalization, and supercritical fluid processing. Dr. Lund also manages select sensor technologies. Dr. Lund has licensed separate portfolios of polyols technology to two Fortune 100 companies, and overall has been responsible for ten licenses and options for PNNL’s biobased (renewable) technologies.
Prior to joining Battelle at PNNL as a commercialization manager in 2001, Dr. Lund was assistant director of technology transfer and intellectual property services at the University of California, San Diego. Previous to that, he was an assistant vice chancellor for research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an analyst for the Washington Research Foundation at the University of Washington.
Before entering into technology transfer and licensing, Dr. Lund worked as a research chemist at several firms and also taught chemistry as an adjunct professor at the University of Washington, Montana State University, and Grossmont College.
Dr. Lund received his B.S. in chemistry from Washington State University, and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Lund also holds an MBA in finance and economics from the University of Washington.
Rick Orth
Technical Group Manager, Chemical and Biological Process Development Group
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Dr. Orth joined the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in 1992 after working for four years for Unocal Corporation. During his career at PNNL, he has been involved in process development activities at the technical, project management and group management levels. More specifically, Dr. Orth has been involved with the development of processes for conversion of biobased materials to value-added chemicals and fuels. Examples include processes for the recovery of value-added chemicals from wheat mill feed and corn fiber. Dr. Orth is currently the Technical Group Manager of the Chemical and Biological Process Development Group. This group is comprised of over 50 staff who are involved in research and process development activities related to biochemical, thermochemical and catalytic conversion of biobased materials to value-added chemicals and fuels. The group resides in the Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) that is located on the Washington State University-Tri-Cities Campus in Richland, Washington.
March 2011: SAFN presented by Ross McFarlane
What is the “Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest” (SAFN) project and who is involved? Why did it come about? What does it mean for air travel and airplane production in the NW, which is a driver of our local economy? What does the environmental movement think of SAFN?
The first regional assessment of its kind in the United States, SAFN is evaluating biomass options within a four-state area as possible sources for producing renewable jet fuel. Key stakeholders came together to develop a “Flight Path” (action plan) to achieve this goal in the Pacific Northwest. The comprehensive assessment examined feedstock pathways for developing a sustainable aviation biofuel industry, which includes evaluating the cost, timescale, water and land usage, refining, transport infrastructure and actual use by airlines. Over 40 entities, including the NW Biodiesel Network were invited to participate in this critical undertaking.
Climate Solutions is facilitating the stakeholder process, coordinating the technical evaluation and drafting the final report. We are very pleased to have a key leader of this initiative, Climate Solutions’ Ross Macfarlane presenting an update on this critical initiative.
About Our Speaker:
As Senior Advisor, Business Partnerships (Seattle) Climate Solutions' Ross brings more than 25 years of experience working on public policy and environmental issues. He was a partner at Preston Gates & Ellis (now K&L Gates) where he managed the environmental law practice and represented a wide range of public and private clients. He has been recognized as a “Superlawyer” in the areas of Environmental, Transportation and Public law. He also served on the management team for an agency working to build urban mass transit. He has served on numerous boards, including Washington Conservation Voters.
At Climate Solutions, Ross works to forge partnerships with businesses that are seeking to build the clean energy economy in the Pacific Northwest and helps promote strong climate and energy policy. Ross was one of the lead drafters and advocates for the Washington Climate Action and Green Jobs bill passed by the legislature in 2008, which made Washington the fourth state to establish binding limits on global warming pollution, and the first to establish a specific program to train workers for jobs in the clean economy.
Ross' presentation can be found here
February 2011: Forming & Running a Successful Biodiesel Co-op
Ever wondered what it would take to start a Biodiesel Co-op?
Learn what you need to know to get started forming either a biodiesel buying or production co-op at this interesting forum. What are the challenges in setting up and running a successful co-op? Do you need bylaws and other working papers? How do you govern the co-op? What are the advantages and drawbacks to different models for a fuel co-op?" What would current co-ops do differently if they were starting over? What advice do these co-op veterans have for new co-ops?
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present a panel discussion of co-op veterans to answer these and other questions and share their insights. Our panel will consist of Rick Riehle with Pangaea Cooperative (food cooperative), and Local Work/Equity Fuel Cooperative model participant Lyle Rudensey (BioLyle). The moderator for this panel discussion is David Wiegand, a NW Biodiesel Network Board member (and former co-op founder).
About our Speakers:
Rick Riehle, Pangea Organica
Mr. Riehle has been a technology professional since 1985. He was a heads-down cubicle programmer in the early days of his career; worked for IBM in Dallas as primary technical advocate and liaison for several of its strategic development partners; and at Loyola University Chicago, he managed the Networked Systems Integration Team and Unix Systems Team. He is the founder of Pangaea Organica, an Organic, Fair Trade, Cooperative coffee roasting company in Seattle and speaks on the structure and dynamics of cooperatives - an entity type he strongly believes in.
Lyle Rudensey M. Ed., aka "BioLyle,"
...is an environmental health educator and former research scientist who makes all his own fuel using discarded restaurant oil. He is passionate about biodiesel and the need for renewable energy, and has done presentations on this topic for over 1200 K-12 students and many community organizations. He is a founding member of the "Dirty Hands Biodiesel Co-op" and has spoken about the success and challenges of the coop to many organizations He is an active member of the NW Biodiesel Network. A copy of Lyle's presentation can be found here.
David Wiegand, NW Biodiesel Network.
Mr. Wiegand is a longstanding biodiesel user (since 2004), and was a charter/founding member of the Ventura County Biodiesel Consumers Co-op in Ventura, CA. He is a sitting board member of the NW Biodiesel Network.
Get your questions answered! 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free.
January 2011: This meeting was cancelled
...due to our speaker not being able to attend. Instead, we held an ad-hoc discussion on "Biodiesel 101" and engaged the audience in a discussion on future meeting topics.
Planned meeting agenda:
January NWBN Monthly Meeting topic: "Policy Issues Affecting Biodiesel and Biofuels".
Energy is far from a “free market” commodity. Public policy affects everything from availability, military deployment, jobs, price of energy and goods produced with energy, sources, and new and emerging alternatives.
So what is happening both locally and nationally? What is the short-term and long-term impact of the new “retroactive” tax incentive, which passed in December 2010? How are budget cuts throughout all levels of government affecting Biodiesel and Biofuels? How will new legislators affect Biodiesel and Biofuels? What will be the impact of the new Congress and State Legislature?
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Jessica Finn Coven, Policy Specialist at Climate Solutions. Jessica will update us on local and national policy issues, trends, and possible changes we should be aware of and look for in future.
November 2010: Biomass & Technology Commercialization
This meeting was postponed due to inclement weather. It will be rescheduled for a future date. It was to be presented by Eric North and Rick Lund of PNNL (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
October 2010: Algae Update
Is Algae close to being a viable commercial feedstock for the biodiesel/biofuel industry? What is the reality and what is the hype? What can we expect to see in the near future? Where is the algae industry headed? What are the environmental implications of Algae?
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present John Pierce, co-founder and Board member of the Algal Biomass Organization. This organizations mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae.
Come get your questions answered! 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. North, Seattle WA 98103 (click image to the left for a map to the PNA).
About Our Speaker:
John F. Pierce sends his regrets, but he was called away on business on very short notice.But in his place will be Dr. Margaret McCormick of Targeted Growth Inc.. We are very pleased to have her come present to us, and are looking forward to getting her perspective on the state of the Algae Biofuels industry! Thank you Ms McCormick, for filling in on such short notice!
Dr. McCormick is on the Board of the Algal Biomass Organization, and has been with TGI since 2008, managing the company’s Bio-Based Materials program as well as leading various company-wide efforts including legislative and intellectual property strategy. Prior to joining TGI, Dr. McCormick was a partner with Integra Ventures where she led Integra’s biotechnology investment strategy and its investment in TGI. Prior to joining Integra, she was the founding president and COO of Sapphire Therapeutics (formerly Rejuvenon Corp.). Earlier in her career she was a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Dr. McCormick earned a Ph.D. in Biology (with a focus on metabolic engineering) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
September 2010: Northwest Biodiesel Producers
What is the state of biodiesel producers in the Northwest? What are the new developments in their businesses? How are they dealing with the economic downturn, and attacks on the biodiesel industry? How are they overcoming these and other challenges?
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Imperium Renewables’ Todd Ellis, Inland Empire’s Pierson Burke, and SeQuential Biofuels’ Gavin Carpenter to discuss their organizations and the challenging current biodiesel environment.
Get your questions answered! 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free. Information at www.nwbiodiesel.org/.
About Our Speakers:
Gavin Carpenter - SeQuential-Pacific Biodiesel & Encore Oils
Gavin Carpenter is Regional Sales Manager for SeQuential-Pacific Biodiesel and their subsidiary, Encore Oils. His responsibilities include securing and purchasing used cooking oil for production and selling ASTM spec biodiesel out of the 17 million gallon per year facility in Salem, Oregon. Additional areas include managing the RINS program, submitting RFP’s for available grants, and monitoring policy and legislative initiatives. Gavin has been with SeQuential since May 2006 and in his current position since December ’08. A graduate of the University of Oregon, he currently resides in Portland with his wife and three dogs.
Pearson Burke – Marketing & Logistics, Inland Empire Oilseeds
Pearson Burke has been the marketing and logistics manager with Inland Empire Oilseeds for over 2 years. He has over 25 years experience in grain merchandising and elevator operation, and is a licensed commodity broker. Mr. Burke is highly knowledgeable in regional agricultural trading patterns, production costs, cropping alternatives, and hedging strategies.
Todd Ellis - Imperium Renewables
Mr. Ellis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sustainable business and economic development to Imperium's initiatives. As one of the original employees of Imperium, he has been instrumental in commissioning, staffing, and developing operational guidelines at the first biodiesel production facility in Washington.
He oversees IRI's biodiesel and co-product sales, Western State policy development, federal and state government project management, and domestic feedstock acquisition and development. Mr. Ellis works closely with local, state and federal government officials on a variety of issues affecting biofuels from the cultivation of feedstocks to downstream distribution. He has also been instrumental in developing biodiesel sales networks throughout Western States and Canadian markets.
August 2010: Biofuel Use in the Military
The US Military is a big consumer of energy, using 117 million barrels (or 320 thousand barrels per day) in 2006. They, more than most, understand that we need to find alternatives to our dependence on petroleum. The NW region has been using B20 for ten years!
Alternative energy is a top priority for DARPA, the military research branch whose research and innovation led to the development of the Internet. The Strategic Technology Office, part of DARPA, states that:
“The Defense Department has been directed to explore a wide range of energy alternatives and fuel efficiency efforts in a bid to reduce the military's reliance on oil to power its aircraft, ground vehicles and non-nuclear ships. The goal of the BioFuels program is to develop an affordable and highly efficient alternative process of converting crop oil to a JP-8 surrogate.” http://www.darpa.mil/sto/programs/biofuels/
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Ray Akins, a Transportation Specialist for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) to discuss Military use of Biofuels. Join us to learn about the military’s use of biofuels, why they are a leader in the use of biofuels, and where we are headed in this critical area.
About Our Speaker
Ray Akins is a Transportation Specialist for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest, Base Support Vehicles and Equipment (BSVE) Core, whose mission is to provide full support to the U.S. Navy installations around the world. From basic utility requirements to advance energy solutions, simple facility service calls to complex facility management services, standard transportation to heavy construction equipment. The BSVE provides central management of automotive and civil engineering support equipment. The NW region has been using B20 for almost 10 years with great success. For example, BSVE has been using biodiesel fuel in 2 of its tanks and will be using biodiesel fuel in its 3rd tank in the near future.
Ray is a 3rd generation diesel/truck mechanic and has worked as a Seabee mechanic in the U.S. Navy. Before assuming the position with NAVFAC in Washington, he served in the same capacity in Germany and Italy.
July 2010: Biodiesel Use in Fleets
As the Gulf fills with oil, consumers are beginning to look at their role in our oil addiction. What will this mean to businesses and how do they react to this new awareness to position their business? Why have some businesses been using biodiesel for years?
Learn from the experiences of Northwest businesses that have been out in front of biodiesel use. They will share why they made the transition and the economic and business benefits of this decision. They will discuss challenges they faced and how they overcame them, and their overall experience using biodiesel. Learn how we can get more fleet users to use biodiesel.
The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Doug Burgoyne, founder of FROGBOX (http://www.frogbox.com) and Zach Fogel of Stumptown Coffee Roasters (http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/), and Jeff Stephens of Propel Fuels (http://www.propelfuels.com/content ). These three Northwest companies have been using biodiesel for years, and in case of Propel facilitating the use of biodiesel by fleets. Doug, Zach and Jeff will share their experiences and lessons learned.
About Our Speakers:
Jeff Stephens, Ph.D., Director of Science and Technology
Jeff is Director of Science and Technology for Propel Fuels, which builds, owns, and operates alternative fueling stations and expects to expand in 2009 from its current six Washington and five California locations. At Propel, Jeff directs the company’s fuel quality assurance program, is involved with biofuels sustainability issues, participates in industry technical initiatives, and is Propel’s representative to ASTM International. He has had a 30 year interest in reducing petroleum use by producing chemicals and fuels from biomass. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Oil Chemists Society.
Doug Burgoyne
Doug Burgoyne started FROGBOX in 2008 as an experiment in socially responsible business. In April 2009 he quit his full time job to grow the company. Prior to this Doug had a diverse career, which has included running private health care clinics in Texas as a licensed Physical Therapist and working in high tech Sales and Marketing in Europe. He has an MBA from Western’s Ivey School of business. Doug lives in Vancouver with his wife Celeste and five month old son Max. He spends any free time he has mountain biking.
June 2010 : Biofuel Use in Aviation
Boeing is doing research and performing tests of biofuel use in aviation. The Department of Defense is also doing research and performing tests in aviation use of biofuel. What is the status and when can we expect to have our flight to New York fueled with biofuel?
Boeing’s Darrin Morgan, Director, Sustainable Biofuels Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, will speak about the use of biofuel in aviation. Darrin leads strategy development and execution for Boeing Commercial Airplanes' Sustainable Aviation Fuels Program. In addition, Darrin is a co-founder of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, whose members account for more than 15 percent of global jet fuel demand and whose goal is to diversify aviation's fuel supply, while also reducing the industry's lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, he has served as co-chairman of the world's first global algae-for-energy trade association, the Algal Biomass Organization and on the National Academies of Science Transportation Review Board Panel on alternative fuels integration.
Darrin is at the forefront of biofuel use and research in aviation. This is a unique opportunity to learn about biofuel use in aviation, and Boeing's leadership in this field. Get your questions answered! 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free. Information at www.nwbiodiesel.org/.
May 2010: Biodiesel – Buy with Confidence!
How do you know that the fuel you put in your vehicle is top quality? How are we doing with testing biodiesel in our region and maintaining quality? Learn the latest developments from Kirk Robinson of the Washington Department of Agriculture, Weight and Measures.
About our speaker:
A farmer for 25 years, Kirk joined the Washington State Department of Agriculture Department of Weights and Measures in 2003. Kirk currently serves as the Program Manager for Weights and Measures. One of the duties assigned to the Weights and Measures program is the monitoring of motor fuel quality on motor fuels used and sold in Washington State and implementing biofuel and ethanol fuel standards. Additionally, Kirk serves on the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Weights and Measures.
Join us to learn why you can buy Biodiesel with confidence. Get your questions answered! 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free. Information at www.nwbiodiesel.org/.
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