Washington State Approves $6,4 M In Energy Loans

By Nicholas Zeman

Through the Energy Freedom Loan Program, $6.4 million in energy loans have been approved by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire. Three biodiesel projects received a majority of that funding to pursue oilseed processing and/or biodiesel production plans.

The Spokane County Conservation District, which received $2.6 million, is working with Palouse Bio LLC to construct an oilseed crushing and biodiesel production facility in Spokane County, Wash.

Similarly, Odessa Public Development Authority in Odessa, Wash., which received $1 million, has partnered with Inland Empire Oilseeds LLC (IEO) to build an oilseed crushing and biodiesel refining facility. IEO, which was formed in 2006 in Odessa, is currently owned by Odessa Union Warehouse Cooperative, Reardan Grain Growers Inc. and Reardan Seed Company Inc.

The Port of Sunnyside, which received $750,000, is working with Natural Selection Farms (NSF) on an oilseed crushing facility to produce feedstock for biodiesel producers. A representative of NSF told Biodiesel Magazine that the crush apparatus is currently operating and the farm is marketing canola oil.

Biodiesel Magazine, Sept. 5, 2007