Sales of locally grown biofuel highlight Oregon’s alt-fuel push

Story Updated: Jan 17, 2008 at 4:01 PM PST

By Jeff Jaeger and KATU Web Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. – Local officials and fans of alternative energy sources say the sale of locally produced biofuel is a huge step forward for the fledgling plant-based fuel industry in

Oregon .

The state could be on its way to giving big oil a run for its money as

Oregon’s first locally produced biofuel officially went on sale Thursday.

Anytime drivers fill up using pumps at Jay’s Garage on Southeast 7th Avenue and Morrison, city officials say they are they are helping to fuel the movement to free the U.S. from dependence on foreign oil.

“We’re supporting a local company which is always a good thing,” Janna Collingwood, a local business owner said. She said she only uses biofuels.

The locally grown and refined biofuel is now sold just down the street from her southeast Portland tobacco shop.

“There’s an old axiom that says ‘think global, act local.’ This is a living example of that,” Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard said. He was on hand for the ceremonies at the station.

Oregon’s “oilfields” – acres of yellow flowers signifying canola crops – are now used solely to make

Oregon biofuels.

But some drivers are concerned more crops for fuel will mean less acreage will be used to grow food.

Biodiesel driver Alison Reddy was concerned about the trade-off. “It’s an agricultural product,” she said. “How does it play in the global economic spectrum with food?”

Canola farmer Kent Madison did not share her worries. “The fuel market gives us an alternative for ground that is of poor quality and yield,” Madison said, “and makes that ground profitable and brings profitability back to Oregon

’s agriculture.”

Madison said he’s proud to sell his crop locally. He said he used to export it to

where his canola crop was used for food-grade oil. “It’s nice to see that fuel that we’re producing being recycled in Oregon’s economy and keeping those dollars in Oregon’s economy,” Madison added .

Now,

Oregon has a local fuel industry that could become politically as strong as big oil. “This is a direct threat to big oil, so if you really want to stick it to the man, come to Jay’s and buy a gallon of biofuel,” Commissioner Leonard said.

“

Oregon is big oil’s enemy,” Leonard added.

Leonard also said there are plans in the works to try and build a large biofuel refinery in

Portland, though the details have not yet been made public.