KINGSTON, R.I. – April 24, 2013 – The Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition at the University of Rhode Island will hold a forum on May 3 to discuss the use of biodiesel in Rhode Island and to hear from government and non-government officials on efforts to increase its use.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. with a tour of the Newport Biodiesel facility at 312 Connell Highway, Newport, whereupon participants will travel to Salve Regina University for the remainder of the program.
“We are excited to highlight sustainable energy in Rhode Island and explore how biodiesel plays a concrete role in long term environmental solutions,” said Wendy Lucht, URI coordinator of the Ocean State Clean Cities program.
Among the speakers will be Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who will discuss federal energy policy as it relates to biodiesel; Myles Standish, president of Newport Biodiesel, examining the fuel’s use in Rhode Island; State Representative Deb Ruggiero, who will discuss state policy as it relates to biodiesel and energy independence; and Geoff Berg of the Citizens Climate Lobby discussing their efforts to promote a carbon tax.
Following these presentations, Lucht will participate on a panel with Jim Malloy from the Oil Heat Institute and Abigail Anthony of Environment Northeast on biodiesel use in the heating and transportation sectors and their relationship to a clean fuel standard. Bruce Corliss, dean of the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, will lead a panel on biodiesel use in the marine sector.
Marion Gold, commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, will conclude the meeting with an update on the state’s energy plan and the progress of its Petroleum Savings and Independence Commission.
All members of the public interested in learning more about biodiesel are welcome to attend the forum. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
One of 87 such coalitions around the country, the Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition receives programmatic support from the URI Energy Center and has been promoting alternative fuels in Rhode Island since 1998.
For additional information about the Clean Cities Coalition or the May 3 forum, contact Wendy Lucht at 401-874-2792 or wlucht@uri.edu.