Meetings

We always meet on the FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7PM at the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center(http://www.phinneycenter.org/).

Steering Committee WhiteBoard A place to share your thoughts on our direction and structure.(Click on WhiteBoard)

2/27/07 general mtg

-28 total people

-overview of what we do…looking for secretary/treasurer…annual forum…where…less technical this year since not our strength and other organizations are doing this…

- biodiesel 101 …rudolph diesel…sources..dift oils…blends..b20 or less common for fleets…higher blends can cause trouble in some cases…older vehicles, large engines (ferries, busses), partly since biodiesel acts as a solvent and cleans out the fuel system…biodiesel never the single answer to replace petroleum…

- Q&A….cold weather stuff…Dan; avg temp <freezing to have an issue..ensure winterized…rash of contaminated fuel lately…ensure filtered…Atul; nothing they have found does much to reduce gel point…tried many things so far..

- Atul: Ethics in the Biodiesel Industry:

o As change goes from individual users to small businesses it remains to be seen if a commitment to ethics? remains. Try to avoid the issue of ethics by doing the right thing…space shuttle engineer - O-rings. He worked for Ford, also Flex fuel program: scheme to get CAFÉ credits for carmakers. (listing For Ranger as getting 130mpg).

o Core of ethical decision making; the further someone is removed from the decision making the more risk there is for unethical behavior.

o Feedstock debate

 GMO based feedstocks, etc.. We can’t prescribe in a blanket manner. Where is it grown? What impacts on environment? What is lifecycle aspect? Too much energy to grow palm in US. People picketing in India about using agriculture for biofuel instead of food.

o Subsidy debate-taxes

 Tax structure for biofuels is ‘broken’ right now. Whole Energy a part of it also. Canada removes road tax. US subsidizes tax. Wh E. makes fuel with US subsidy and then sells to Canada (double benefit made possible by US taxpayers). Brazilians use value-added credit. Layering tax credits by shipping it around to other nations benefits only the companies…a waste of taxpayer’s money. Atul has written Patty Murray and they responded it would be ‘against international commerce laws” to change anything. The idea is to level the playing field, not hurting anyone. The extra shipping also reduces the environmental benefits…etc.

o Lifecycle

o Asked Atul to send out a draft letter for people to send to Olympia.

o Other Whole Energy News:

Bay Area marketing and distribution, Idaho, Whole Energy Canada, East Coast project. Forming partnerships with smaller startups to help ensure they have good marketing, quality control, etc.

o Wh E has 14 retail outlets now in N Wa state..see their website for where.

o Dan - encouraged as to pursue local energy sources…similar to local organic food. Concern about cheap palm oil crippling local oil sources…(may) be mitigated by Round Table Sustainable Palm organization…Ravi, Atul.

o Biodiesel has a negative impact on the rendering industry

- ?? – his family producing a movie about the spread of Biodiesel – offered us to participate

- Jeff Stevens – WA Biodiesel – canola crushing facility work in Central WA. 2 months away from breaking ground. Town of Warden.

- Atul asked the crowd if anyone wants to go to WA DC (lobbyist) for the Biodiesel industry

- “Baby Legs” company rep – they have Mercedes truck. Biodiesel powered. Shipping product to trade show in it. Loooking for contacts, info, advice. CDL license help.

- General Biodiesel – startup comp in Mt Vernon. Hope to produce by Oct 1st. Affiliated with Wh E.

September 27th, 2005 Meeting

Dave Tetta started off the evening with a proposal that we collect used cooking grease from restaurants, have homebrewers or a commercial biodiesel processor turn it to useable fuel, and distribute it to low income residents as home heating oil. If you're an interested homebrewer or would just like to help with the project, e-mail Dave at Tetta.Dave@epamail.epa.gov .

Next, Kevin Orme explained what our group does. We educate people about the different types of biodiesel and their production and link people to resources to help them use biodiesel. We do this through our meeting, through forums and events that we sponsor, and by speaking at other groups' events. Our website is a great source for information.

Kevin had brought an article from the publication AutoWeek which compared value on biodiesel and hybrid cars, and concluded that biodisel kicks hybrid's butt! He also told us about an article in a different publication that said that a survey of home heating dealers in the Northeast showed that they are woefully uninformed about biodiesel.

Aaron Kahn reminded us about a couple of upcoming events that need volunteers from our group. One is the Pacific Northwest Purchasing Conference, to be held at the Southcenter Doubletree Hotel on October Sponsors would like us to be there with an information table. We will NOT do a formal presentation, so public speaking skills aren't required. If you can volunteer for about an hour and a half in the middle of the day, please let Aaron know at akahn@windermere.com .

Catherine Kovell will also do a brief presentation on biodiesel and hybrid cars at the Pioneer Organics open house, which will be held October 9 at their Ballard headquarters. To help out at our table there for an hour or so, e-mail Catherine at catherine1@verizon.net.

Lyle Rudensey announced that homebrewing expert and author Maria "Girl Mark" Alovert, inventor of the appleseed processor, will teach classes in Seattle October 15 and 16. These are sponsored by Northwest Biodiesel. Space is limited for both classes, so e-mail to register at girlmark.com. Full details on our website: www.nwbiodiesel.org .

Eric Forrer next informed us that representatives from Earthrace, a bid to break a world circumnavigation in a powerboat record using only renewable fuels, will probably do a presentation at next June's NW Biodiesel meeting. They had been scheduled to come in December but must postpone.

Our featured speaker was Rene Irish of the University of Washington. She's involved in a study of the effects of school bus diesel emissions on children. The study aims to discover whether school bus fumes causes health problems in children, and whether retrofitting the buses to burn cleaner fuels will change the health effects on kids. Researchers will follow participating children for three years. Kids will take lung function and other tests after they get to school in the morning and before they board the bus again in the afternoon. The students will keep diaries of health symptoms and will carry air monitoring devices in their backpacks. Their health will be compared with that of kids who ride to school in regular gasoline burning cars. The study will involve both asthmatic and non-asthmatic kids, as researchers believe that both are vulnerable to the harmful effects of diesel exhaust.

So far 11 schools in the Seattle and Tahoma school districts are participating. Researchers want to include more schools. If you are interested in getting your child's school involved, contact Rene Irish at (206) 543-8087 or rshowlun@u.washington.edu . The project website is www.dieselbus.org .

We wrapped up the meeting with a freeform group discussion of topics ranging from different kinds of biodiesel to the shelf life of fuel to the politics of alternative fuels.

Thanks for coming!

May 24th, 2005 Meeting

We had a great turnout for a sunny evening- thanks to all that showed up! There were 22 folks, including 10 new members. I am pleased that everyone enjoyed the presentation, as well as the planning discussion that followed.

Our special presentation was a slide show by Bill Levin- all about his experience making an "Appleseed" biodiesel processor. This was done using plans found on the internet, a hot water heater, and various plumbing supplies. Bill's total cost was around $1000. Here are plans that I found in about 15 seconds: http://www.localb100.com/appleseed/ . The slideshow was about 30 minutes, and was followed by 20 minutes of questions and discussion. Thank you Bill!

Lyle led a brief discussion of the education committee, which had not met since that last meeting. The tabling volunteers did attend several events in May: Peak Oil symposium, new station ribbon-cutting, and others. Details can be found on the website. www.nwbiodiesel.org .

We also talked about the many events coming up in the next two weeks, and who would attend them. Answering questions, and sharing your story, about biodiesel is lots of fun! Please contact us if you can help this summer. Some upcoming events: 6/1, BALLE Personalizing Kyoto (Aaron will speak, Lyle will demonstrate production), 6/4, Shoreline Solar Renewable Energy Fair (Lyle will speak), 6/5, Sustainable Ballard Summer School- Advanced Fuel/Vehicle Choices (Noam will demonstrate production), 6/5 movie "Fat of the Land" at Trinity Lutheran, 6/6 & 6/7, Sustainable Ballard presents a symposium on an "Electric Vehicle to Grid" system, 6/7, Association of Women in Environmental Professions presents "Whats the Buzz about Biodiesel?". The Network will have a presence at all of these events, and would love your help and company! Some of these events require advance registration. More details about these events can be found on our website- there is now an

"Upcoming Events" section, thanks Ray! We will also have a presence at the Greenwood Car Show, 6/25- this will be fun!

Melissa led a discussion of the Communication committee. The media committee met and created flyers and interim logo, and a new biodiesel basics sheet. The group gave feedback on these, and they will be available on the website. The purpose is so that anyone can go to our website, download these

documents, and print them for distribution. Good job, guys!

The finance committee met, and Lisa has formatted an accounting spreadsheet for the Network. She and Aaron will continue to work on the WA state non-profit status, which Eric researched with Sustainable Ballard. When ready, we will open an account in the group name. There was discussion about Biodiesel emissions -and there will be good links on our web site.

Dr. Dan wants to sponsor a Bumper sticker for us. Media committee will work

with him on this. Thanks Dan!

Great meeting- thanks Bill, for the great presentation!

April 26th, 2005 Meeting

18 attendees (5 new)

The main topic of this general meeting was to review recommendations from the newly formed steering committee. The steering committee, and the group, discussed the formation of a board, pros/cons of non-profit status, future programs, and identifed working committees.

The steering committee met twice prior to the general meeting. Members of the steering committee (and groups they are chairing) are Madhuri Hosford (Forum), Aaron Kahn (Network founder), Lyle Rudensey (Education-classes), Noam Gundle (Education-events), Ray Brown (Communications-photography), Eric Forrer (Development-organizational), Roy Thong (Development-financial), and Melissa Willoughby (Communications-media).

Structure of the Network

With the recent success of the Forum (over 400 attendees) and ever increasing interest from local media of biodiesel issues, Network members identified this as a good time to maximize volunteer interest and possibly increase program offerings. In the March 22 general meeting, Aaron Kahn called for anyone interested in discussing the formation of a board and reviewing programs. We had 12 people volunteer to work on the board and for various committee topics, indicating to the group that this was the right direction and that we'd have adequate support to grow.

Formation of a Board

As most non-profit organizations have some type of board for decision-making, we explored the pros and cons to this structure for the Network. Benefits include having influential representationbacking your organization. This can help get grant funding, add to professional image, and provide resources such as legal advice, accounting services, ect. if a well rounded board is recruited. Possible problems with board formation are becoming too structured and the consensus that we should build programs and organizational intention prior to forming a board. The group also wants to maintain open participation from all interested Network members.

Nonprofit Status

Options for filing are WA state non-profit status and/or federal 5013 status. Benefits to the federal filing are increased opportunities for grant funding. Potential problems are complicated filing, need to form a board, financial obligations such as BOD insurance and tax filings. The state filing would enable us to open a bank account and may have less legal requirements. State filings are only around $30. We also discussed finding a fiscal sponsor to take care of funding, accounting and insurance. Groups charge a fee for this. Phinney Neighborhood Association may be willing to do this for a 5% fee. Lyle and Roy are still looking into details of these filing options.

Steering Committee and Working Committees

While we are still exploring non-profit status and the need for a formal board, we decided to form a steering committee to oversee committee tasks and program development. These committees are open to anyone intersted in volunteering. We assigned "chair" members to aid communication of progress and serve on the steering committee. The steering committee will meet one week prior to each general meeting to review progress. Working committees were identified. Committee members volunteered at this and the last general meeting.

Communications: media, outreach materials, website, distribution of

minutes and news

Chair - Melissa Willoughby
Members- Alex Wetmore (web), Ray Brown (photography), Kevin Orme(logo), Greg Ruby (press releases), Maggie Bollinger, Lisa Kresge, Dave Tetta

Forum: plans annual forum, explore additional forum events- maybe

quarterly "fun" events?

Chair - Madhuri Hosford
Members - Ray Brown, Aaron Kahn, who else??

Education: classes, events, speakers bureau, monthly meetings

Chairs - Noam Gundle (events), Lyle Rudensey (classes)
Members- Aaron Turner, Aaron Kahn, Marni Evans (Built Green event), Ray Brown, Madhuri Hosford (speakers bureau), Dan Freeman, Mark Haskins

Development: funding sources, organizational growth

Chairs - Eric Forrer (growth), Ray Thong (funding)
Treasurers - Aaron Kahn, Lisa Kresge (identified need to have two people reviewing all financial transactions)

Additional topics discussed at the 4/26 meeting:

Wiki/Website

Eric Forrer encouraged the group to use the website to communicate with network members. You add your comments, updates, and make revisions to any information on the website. We'll also add a page for each committee to report updates and include a contact list. Eric encouraged everyone to enter their interests on their bio page.

Long rang tasks

The committees agreed to meet soon to identify immediate and long-range tasks. Each committee will report at the next general meeting. Check the website for update in the mean time.

Call for help

We will be able to continue to make a real difference in the growth of the use of biodiesel in the region- all it takes is volunteers!!! Please check the website, join a committee, come to meetings and events, and keep spreading the word about biodiesel!

Next General Meeting: May 24, 7pm, Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association- topic will be announced!

Your transportation choices are the single biggest impact you can have on global warming, keep up the good work!!!

March 22nd, 2005 Meeting

NW Biodiesel Network

Meeting minutes, 3/22/05, 7-9pm, Phinney Neighborhood Center

(25 attendees)

Potluck

We started this meeting with a tasty potluck to celebrate the Forum.

The group had a great time socializing and sampling the offerings.

3rd Annual Biodiesel Forum Review

Aaron Kahn recapped the success of Saturday's event. Around 400 people visited the Forum. This was around 100 more people than expected! By noon, the parking area for demo cars was full. Maggie estimates that she turned away almost 200 cars that couldn't fit in the parking lot. The 12 exhibitors were busy the entire Forum talking with participants and handing out educational materials. Most vendors ran out of supplies. The speakers did a fabulous job providing interesting general information and industry updates. The outside demonstrations were very well attended despite steady rain. The Seattle Times ran an article on the event the next day (local section 3/20/05). Since Metro had to charge us time for the presence of the Biodiesel Metro Bus, Aaron said he's going to try to get a municipal department to cover this- we did get some donations in advance to help with this cost. Many great photos are posted on the Network website, thanks to Ray Brown and Matt Moreno. If you took photos- please get them on the website: www.nwbiodiesel.org! Madhuri and Aaron Turner are working on a written summary of the event. Please send your memories of the event to: "Thunder" <aaron.turner2 at comcast.net>

Great job Madhuri and Aaron Kahn for planning such a successful and fun event! And thanks to all the volunteers- this event would've fallen apart without you!

What's Next?

Aaron presented a list of events, media ideas, and other things the Network might want to do in the future, and others added their thoughts. With obvious momentum building within the biodiesel industry, and such strong attendance at the forum, this is a great time to step it up. The group brainstormed additional ideas. Here's the list of opportunities:

Improve signage on municipal vehicles using biodiesel.
Obtain non-profit status or fiscal sponsor for the Network so we can apply for grants and manage funds.
Form a Board of Directors for decisions.
Form committees to work on projects.
Secure a collapsible table and display materials for fairs and other events.
Form media campaign.
Form lobbying campaign.
Do educational outreach and form a speaker's bureau.
Breathable Bus Coalition link.
Have more than one regular Forum a year.
Develop a "roadshow" speaker/event kit.
Have "how to" make biodiesel and diesel mechanic classes. This could be a college level series of courses.
Host a self-sufficiency fair.
Host Earth Day events.
Take more digital photos for website.

As ideas were presented, people started to volunteer. Please contact us if any of this sounds like a good fit for your volunteer energy! Here's a list of loosely formed groups:

Write review of 3rd Annual Forum: Aaron Turner and Madhuri Hosford.
Educational Outreach: Mark Hankins, Lyle Rudensey, Dan Freeman, Ravi Mikkelsen.
Finances - 5013 Status: Roy Thong.
Built Green Conference Partnership - Marnie Evans.
Tabling: Aaron Turner, Noam Gundle, Dan Freeman, Aaron Kahn.
Media Campaign: Melissa Willoughby, Maggie Bolliger, Kevin Orme.
Formation of Board: Melissa Willoughby, Aaron Kahn, Noam Gundle, Madhuri Hosford, Marnie Evans, Lyle Rudensey, Roy Thong, and Eric Forrer.

Board of Directors

The group discussed the formation of a board. We decided there was enough interest to have a meeting about the benefits and structure of a board. Melissa volunteered to put together a presentation of possible board positions. The group will meet next week to discuss board positions, who could/should fill them, and identify what kind of standing committees we might need. The board of directors formation meeting is Tuesday, March 29 at 7pm in room 6 of the Phinney Neighborhood Center. We welcome interest and input on this!

notes compiled by Melissa Willoughby

Once again- thanks for your passion and advocacy for biodiesel!

Aaron Kahn

206.227.9542

Feb 22nd 2005 Meeting Notes

Greetings!

The monthly meeting of the NW Biodiesel Network, on Tuesday, 2/22, was a great success! We had 25 excited folks in attendance, including several new members. Thanks to everyone who showed up and brought thier enthusiasm for biodiesel advocacy and education!

Lyle Rudensey gave us a demonstration of "homebrewing"- making biodiesel at home, from restaurant oil. The group seemed quite involved, 4-6 people came just to see this demo. I hope that we may ask Lyle to do this again. This demo was about 45 minutes, and covered the basic chemical processes as well as the hands on steps required. Lyle also talked about the safety issues of making your own fuel!

We then worked on the planning for the March 19th 3rd Annual Biodiesel Public Forum. This was also successful! We had a lot of enthusiasm about day of volunteering, and even some of the new members are going to be helping out! We could still use a few folks, for an hour shift, both Noon-1PM, and 4-5PM. If you want to come help out for this event, call Aaron @206.227.9542- or reply to this email.

A big thanks is due to Madhuri, Dulane, and Lyle- who have done a lot of work on contacting potential speakers, and putting together the flow of the event. We now have the speaking portion of the event pretty well confirmed, and are working on lining up groups and businesses who want to have tables, as well as firming up the various demonstrations. Feel free to contact like minded non-profits, and sustainable businesses, and ask them if they will be at this event!

We are also looking forward to having a BIG group of diesel vehicles, in our "diesel only" parking section- PLEASE plan on showing up early and bringing your diesel vehicle! We will be parking diesels starting at noon- please come early! Let us know if you are planning to attend, as a count of cars will be helpful.

If you need more info, or received this from a friend and want to sign up, please go to: www.nwbiodiesel.org .

Thank you all for your continuing support of biodiesel education and advocacy- if is very exciting to watch this market continue to grow! Feel free to forward this email to your friends!

Some of you may be interested in a meeting tonight, 2/28. Sustainable Ballard has started discussions about what happens when we run out of oil. More info: www.sustainableballard.org .

January 25th Meeting

Greetings fellow enthusiasts!

The first 2005 NW Biodiesel Network meeting (1/25) was a great place to start the year's activism! Twelve Networkers (including still more new members!) were jazzed about planning the upcoming March 19 Northwest Biodiesel Forum.

For the benefit of several new members present, the meeting began with an overview of the purpose of the NW Biodiesel Network, and of the 3rd Annual NW Biodiesel Forum (March 19): to provide education and raise the awareness of progress in advancing biodiesel adoption in the Northwest.

NWBN meetings are now co-sponsored by Phinney Neighborhood Association, which means they now promote our meetings in the PNA newsletter and provide a host of other co-operative benefits. Our new monthly meeting format is 7 - 8:30PM. Each month we will devote 30+ minutes for a chosen "topic" for discussion, presentation, or demonstration; then 30+ minutes to tackle a specific "task" or goal; and any remaining time will be dedicated to "networking" and exchanging information about biodiesel-related issues. For the January and February meetings, our "task" sessions will focus on organizing the March 19 Forum.

TOPIC: EMISSIONS

Faye Cain led an informational session about fuel emissions and how they affect our environment. She distributed a very cool "game" based on each person receiving a set of gameboard pieces and an image of the earth. Each set of gameboard pieces represented the average emissions of various toxic substances in varying amounts according to what fuel the person was "using." We recorded our total emissions on the gameboard, and with some prompting, figured out which fuel each person was "burning," ranging from Methanol to CNG to B100. The game was a kick and educational at the same time. Thank you, Faye, for the work you put into our January "topic" session!

NWBIODIESEL FORUM PLANS

Mark your calendars for the March 19 3rd Annual NW Biodiesel Forum (1 to 4 PM) at the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center! Madhuri Hosford led a discussion of plans for the Forum. Focus of the event should be in three areas: 1) Biodiesel 101 (What is biodiesel? Why should I use it? Where do I get it?); 2) Policies and Incentives underway and call-to-action for next steps; 3) Agricultural community's needs that must be met to achieve sufficient levels of in-state biodiesel production and all the associated benefits. Various ideas for timing of speakers and outdoor demos were discussed. Other plans included getting food and coffee/espresso donated for the Forum, documenting the Forum via photography and video recording, and recruiting more representation from eastern Washington's agricultural community about their needs as they produce feedstocks for biodiesel processing. A list of environmental groups was distributed and members signed up to contact and invite them to participate by sponsoring a TABLE/EXHIBIT or an DEMO/OUTDOOR DISPLAY. Madhuri (mhosford@centerforsmartenergy.com ) and Dulane (silkworm@spiderhollow.com ) are working on event details. Please contact Madhuri or Dulane with ideas, answers to questions below, etc. concerning the March 19 Forum.

FORUM SPEAKERS

Several speakers are being considered, among them: Doug Howell (King County); Lawrence Molloy (Commissioner, Port of Seattle); Jorge Carrasco (Seattle City Light Superintendent); Dan Freeman (Dr. Dan's Alternative Fuel Werks, explaining Biodiesel 101 facts and details); Cathy Britell (Physician and Health Consultant); Lyle Rudensey (Breathable Bus Coalition); George Robertson (Architect and Beacon Hill co-op manager); Dennis McLerran (Puget Sound Clean Air Agency); KC Golden/Rhys Roth (Climate Solutions); Davis Clements (Renewable Products Development Laboratories, Inc.); WA State Ferries spokesperson; Eastern WA agricultural community spokesperson; Creston crushing facility spokesperson; American Lung Society spokesperson; new Congressional Bill HR 4520 biodiesel tax incentives spokesperson; Sustainable Systems (Jeff Stevens); Seattle Biodiesel (John Plaza).

DEMOS/OUTDOOR DISPLAYS

Current list of confirmed and potential outdoor DEMOS include Noam Gundle (Ballard High School biodiesel homebrew demo); Services Unlimited (Fuelmeister Biodiesel Processor); Chrysler/Jeep (display their new BD model); Carter VW (display VW diesel models); Mercedes (display "new" diesel model); Billings Middle School (homebrew demo); SeQuential Biofuels (biodiesel processor); Earthwise Excavation (display offroad vehicles); Metro bus (display bus using biodiesel); Roy Harvey and Dulane Crist (SVO/WVO conversions for diesel engines demo). In addition, TABLES/EXHIBITS can be located outdoors for groups that bring their own canopies and set up outdoors near the above demos.

TABLES/EXHIBITS/INDOOR DISPLAYS

Indoor TABLES/EXHIBIT space is limited to about 6 - 10 tables. Sign up will be on a first come, first served basis. Current list of environmental and related groups is long; many are being invited to attend and display their literature. If you know of a group that would benefit from being there, ask them to contact us right away!

FOOD/ESPRESSO

Karl Arne has a connection at PCC; he'll investigate getting them to donate food and/or set up an outdoor booth for food sales. Madhuri will contact Mr. Spot's Chai House and Starbucks on Phinney Ridge to see if they'll sell espresso and/or donate a portion of sales for the event. The group discussed the idea that having food and drink at the event would encourage people to hang around longer and check out more SPEAKERS, DEMOS, and EXHIBITS.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO

Ray Brown is a photographer; he'll plan to capture shots of the event. Lyle Rudensey has a contact who videos events; he'll check out that possibility for the Forum.

MORE DEMOS

Zeph Shepard will check out getting a display/demo to draw in Trucking industry members discovering the advantages of biodiesel. Madhuri will contact Willie Nelson on the off chance that his staff will at least send a statement to be read in support of biodiesel for Truckers! Nick Ward has a contact selling Chrysler/Jeeps; he'll inquire how we could get a new diesel Liberty model for display at the Forum. Dulane will contact Club Biodiesel to learn how they arranged a diesel Liberty displayed this week at the NW Agricultural Show. Madhuri will ask Dan Freeman to follow up with Carter VW to see if they'll display one or more diesel VWs and possibly provide canopies for other demos and displays.

HELP NEEDED

Anyone have ideas or know someone/someplace that.....

......will donate canopies to cover outdoor DEMOS and/or TABLES/EXHIBITS? We anticipate that more groups will want TABLES/EXHIBITS than we have indoor space for! Let us know if you've got a "lead" for a company/individual who may sponsor canopies. That may help encourage more groups to participate!

.....will sponsor some food/snacks/espresso bar for the Forum in exchange for signage and promotion? (or donate a % of sales to the event?)

.....knows complete, up-to-date status of biodiesel production in the entire region (and could speak about all of the regional production facilities being established, their production numbers when they come online, dates they'll be operational, etc.)?

.....has a great connection with Maria Cantwell or Governor Gregoire -- enough of a connection to convince them to speak (about how biodiesel usage contributes to the region's progressive plans) on March 19???

Thanks to all for your ongoing work to spread the word! See the event details at http://www.nwbiodiesel.org/default.aspx/NorthwestBiodiesel.News . A flyer/postcard will be available by our next meeting, which is the fourth Tuesday (February 22, 7 PM at the Phinney Neighborhood Center).

See you next month. Contact one of us if you have hot Forum ideas we should act on sooner!

Madhuri (mhosford@centerforsmartenergy.com ), Dulane (silkworm@spiderhollow.com ) and Aaron (akahn@windermere.com )

October 26th Meeting

Thanks to Aaron Kahn for taking the minutes this week.

NW Biodiesel Network 10/26 meeting notes.

Another great turnout on a lovely fall evening- thanks to all who showed up!

There was a discussion of the King County Metro announcement regarding bidiesel use in Metro buses. This announcement went out to all last week, and was on the news and in the paper. A quick re-cap: Metro will be using B5 in all 1200 buses, and in the King County solid waste fleet, by the end of 2005- and have already started in about 350 buses. When the entire fleet is on B5, King County will become the largest user of biodiesel in Washington, using about 500,000 gallons per year. There were also representatives from the WA Farm Board present, and the point was made that this will be using locally grown oil-stock, thus keeping energy dollars in the region.

We had an update from the new "breathable bus" group, presented by Lyle and Noam. This group has had two meetings already, and is meeting every two weeks, with about 12-14 people showing up at both meetings. There is a lot of energy here, and they have already made many important contacts. The goal of this group is to have all Seattle school buses using B100, with B20 in use by the end of 2005. More info can be found at the new website: breathablebus.org [Alex's note: The group hasn't uploaded anything yet, this is coming soon, please check back]. Dr. Dan told me after the meeting that he may have the opportunity to sponsor

a Ballard school bus to use B20, and that he still hasn't received any fuel from Whole Energy. Due in part to a national shortage of biodiesel, the price is still high.

Lyle has also made presentations about energy and bio-fuels to four Middle School classes as part of his job, and will continue to do more.

Adam and Eva reported that they are helping Holden Village switch to B20 by April 2005. This is retreat in the Cascades, near Lake Chelan. Holden Village has 40 or so year round residents, with as many as 500 in the summer months. They will be using about 10,000 gallons a year of biodiesel.

Seattle Biodiesel is still hoping to be producing in Seattle in a month or so, but have had delays. one of these delays is that they have decided to build a larger processor that originally planned. This will allow them to produce up to 5 million gallon of BD per year. They are still planning to use regionally grown oil stocks whenever possible, which may also happen in a month!

The NW Biodiesel Network website has been changed to an "open" format, which means that any user can edit any page. This should allow for a more dynamic website. Thanks Alex!

Aaron just got this from biodiesel.org:

  Biodiesel Tax Break Passes
  President signs the Jobs Bill that ensures a federal excise tax credit
  of 1 penny per percent of biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel.
  National Biodiesel Board's Joe Jobe says all biodiesel consumers will
  benefit from this legislation including those in tax-exempt markets,
  like school districts.
  Credit goes to Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR),
  Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) for their work on ensuring this bill
  passed the senate.


  Further info at http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxincentive/


  Biodiesel News Items:


  Toyota Giving $20 million in grants for clean school buses
  Toyota Motor Corporation announced its plans to provide $20 million in
  grants to fund 3,000 school bus retrofits. Although the grants are not
  necessarily for biodiesel run buses, some funding may be available to
  projects that propose a blend of biodiesel and ultra low sulphur diesel.


  To see if you could qualify visit
   http://cleanbusesforkids.com/forms.html but be quick as applications
  have to be in by 14th November.

Older meeting minutes.

You can find minutes for some of our older meetings in the ListArchives. SearchForMinutes will take you right there.