Newsletter - March 15, 2005

"the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today, but such oils may become, in the course of time, as important as petroleum and the coal-tar products of the present time."  - Rudolf Diesel, 1912

HVBC has maintained a steady growth in participation and interest since we first met last fall (Nov. 2004). Likewise, the group has grown in keeping to our mission.

Mission Statement
Escalate the advancement of biodiesel technology in the Hudson Valley region by providing a focal point and interactive forum for education and communication.

And, the group has much to grow.

Certainly there is a broad consensus; that a primary purpose for our interest exists, in the idea, that biodiesel provides an alternative energy option. A part of a puzzle - to reduce dependence on foreign petroleum - while increasing opportunities for local agri-business.

And then. Maybe some personal satisfaction that you fueled your own transportation. To a greater degree. Possibly cheaper. Or just. More to your terms.

Most of us have read about biodiesel. Some of us have seen it. A few of us have made it. And those lucky ones have driven to far away places. Enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Vassar College has the capacity and has produced 90 gallons of biodiesel per week. They have plans to increase capacity to 100,000 gallons a year. They'll be starting up their processor again when the weather breaks. Our group is looking to visit in the early spring.

The group has various goals, objectives and interests.

• Homebrew Processing
• Homebrew Processing (as a Group)
• Certified Production Processing (commercial?)
• Biodiesel Buying Cooperative
• Individual and Bulk Purchases
• Jugs & Drums, Pickups & Deliveries
• Coop Pump w/Tank and Bulk Deliveries
  Project - Site Planning, Location, Tank, Permits, Taxes, Legal, etc.
• Initiate Public Education Programs

Members might consider working in small groups. Find a "buddy." A partner or partners to begin furthing pursuits that, not only serves the group but, is self-beneficial.

Many HVBC Members feel the need to witness the production of biodiesel. Yeah! They want to see it being made.

Vassar doesn't have a heated facility. So, they won't be processing for six weeks. Maybe.

Would any of the HVBC member chemists be running a batch?
Do we know someone? Can they accommadate a group?

Tightening up our agenda.
People want to see it. People want to buy it. People want to make it.

What do we need? What does it cost?

Homebrew Retail/Bulk And, what about at the Retail pump How can we get Mobil/Exxon, Shell to do our clean work.

Q: -- How much does petroleum fuel cost? A: Ahah! That sounds like an easy question; just look at the fuel stations' signs that say $X.xx per gallon, right? Well, think again. How much of your tax dollar goes to subsidize, protect, import, and clean up corporate oil? Plus what's the indirect cost of lost jobs and of pollution? A 2003 analysis by the National Defense Council Foundation estimates the "hidden cost" of imported oil: "...a pump price for gasoline of between $5.01 and $5.19..." See also an older University of Florida paper.

Like Our Mission, Objectives and Goals are broad. Learn and grow. Hone our knowledge and skills, and pursue the development of a public education plan to expand biodiesel interest and consumer base.

We have progressed our main objective.

Objectives and Goals

• Maintain a strict adherence to our primary goal of promoting, supporting and furthering the success and growth of biodiesel usage in the Hudson Valley region.

Other objectives should be of continued interest.

• Develop and distribute questionnaire.
  1. Gather input.
  2. Determine where we stand as producers, promoters, supporters and consumers of biodiesel.
• Evaluate and develop the scope of our project, the Hudson Valley Biodiesel Cooperative (HVBC).
• Establish clear objectives, goals and direction for the HVBC. Enhance our Mission Statement and Primary Goal.
• Distribute Newsletters. Contact local action, public interest groups and professional/trade organizations, and the media.
• Maintain a liberal vision and view necessitated by needs to support our primary goal.

 · Biodiesel Basics  · Making Biodiesel  · Buying Biodiesel  · Help and Support  · Hudson Valley Biodiesel Coop

How much does it cost to join the HVBC?

There are no fees or member dues. There are no plans to acquire fees for participation in meetings, forums and listservs.

How much does it cost to buy biodiesel?

[Contact Retailers]

Here's what a cost at EarthShip Biodiesel