FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Biofuels interest growing in multiple transportation sectors
ST. JOHNS, Michigan (Nov. 28, 2023) – The Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC) is expanding its influence by adding three new stakeholders that support sustainable carbon reduction solutions in three different transportation sectors. The new stakeholders are Gevo, Inc., Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) and Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Company.
“Interest in advanced biofuels continues to grow in Michigan as communities seek to reduce carbon emissions from air, ground and water transportation systems. Three new MiABC stakeholders share a vision of expanded biofuel availability in our state,” says Hanna Campbell, demand specialist for Michigan Soybean Committee (MSC), a founding member of MiABC.
Founded in 2022 by MSC and the Michigan Soybean Association, MiABC works to increase understanding and adoption of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels produced from renewable resources such as soybean oil.
Sustainable air transportation
Gevo is a leader in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon replacements for transportation fuels like gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel. Gevo is based in Englewood, Colorado, with a commercial SAF production facility currently under construction in Lake Preston, South Dakota.
“Gevo sees significant opportunity for biofuels in Michigan. We look forward to working with MiABC to drive use of renewable fuels to reduce carbon and air pollution. MiABC is a leading group in this area and fits well with the fuels we produce,” says Kent Hartwig, director, state government affairs at Gevo.
Supporting healthy neighborhoods
SDEV works with residents, businesses, educational institutions and community organizations in Southwest Detroit to foster healthy neighborhoods that have clean landscapes, clean air, and clean water. In collaboration with MiABC, SDEV helps organizations access grants to replace diesel equipment and encourages other fuel-saving measures.
“Biodiesel is a way to immediately improve air quality since it’s not yet feasible for electric power to fulfill all of our community’s power needs,” says Raquel Garcia, executive director of SDEV. “The work of MiABC helps fill the gap by advancing use of biofuels for transportation.”
Reducing Great Lakes shipping emissions
Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Company services commercial marine fleets, industry, and governmental agencies by providing bulk liquid fuel and asphalt storage and distribution services at two terminals located in Detroit and Dearborn. The company also serves as a central hub for sister company, Warner Petroleum Corporation, which markets and distributes liquid fuels and asphalt products throughout the Great Lakes region. Waterfront began offering biodiesel in 2023 to help commercial shipping companies reduce carbon emissions.
“Being part of MiABC helps us educate our marine customers on the significant benefits of transitioning to a cleaner fuel. Biodiesel is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based fuels and is the easiest way to reduce carbon emissions from heavy duty vessels navigating the Great Lakes and beyond,” said Jason Smith, vice president of supply and sales for Warner Petroleum.
Other MiABC Stakeholders
Gevo, SDEV and Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Company join 19 other stakeholders in MiABC. By joining the coalition, these organizations signal their commitment to improving Michigan communities through heightened energy security, cleaner air and a healthier environment. Funding for MiABC comes from Michigan farmers through the soybean checkoff program.
For more information about biodiesel and MiABC, visit miadvancedbiofuels.com.