Members of the 2008 Biodiesel Commission (click on photo to enlarge).The purpose of the commission was to assess the benefits of and barriers to a ready supply of biodiesel fuel in NH. Biodiesel is produced by a reaction between vegetable oil or animal fat and an alcohol (eg, methanol or ethanol). It is most often blended with petroleum diesel and used in diesel vehicles and to heat residences and businesses. Use of this renewable fuel helps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and emissions from greenhouse gas.
The commission found that, despite demand, NH lacks a distribution infrastructure for the product. There are new biodiesel producers in NH, but challenges include farmers' commitments to growing the appropriate crops and making the fuel accessible around the state for both home heating and transportation fuel.
Biodiesel offers an economic growth opportunity for NH in both the agriculture and distribution sectors. The
legislature agreed to extend the commission so that it may continue its study.
To read about the biodiesel research at UNH, go to Prof. Ihab Farag's website.
Suzanne served on the commission, which fit with her particular interest in renewable energy sources.
In the photo: Left to Right, Front Row: James Robb (DRED), Barclay Jackson (Green Start), Rep. Suzanne Harvey, Becky Ohler NH DES), Dick Uncles (NH Dept of Agriculture), Ihab Farag (UNH)
Back Row: Joe Broyles (NH Energy Off), Dorn Cox (ORBI), Senator Harold Janeway, Senator Jack Barnes, Tim Hickey (Atlantic Biodiesel), Rep. David Borden (Commission Chairman) (Photo courtesy of Prof. Farag)