New hires oversee first plantings

Pacific Biodiesel, Inc. welcomes Matt Johnson and Dan Rudoy to its operations on Oahu, as the team leaders for the Hawaii Military Biodiesel Crop project.  Johnson has been named Project Manager and Rudoy was hired as Farm Manager.

"With a background in agriculture development training and fund management, Matt brings a wealth of experience to

Project Manager Matt Johnson

Pacific Biodiesel," said Kelly King, Vice President and Director of Communications.  "His experience in rural agriculture and renewable energy are perfect qualifications to oversee the project."

Dan Rudoy, Farm Manager

Hand planting the oil seed crops was one method used at Waialua

Pacific Biodiesel, in partnership with Maui No Ka Oi Magazine,  co-sponsored the "Excellence in Sustainability" Award, presented at the 9th annual 'Aipono Awards on Maui.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa was the recipient of this year's award which was presented by Pacific Biodiesel Vice President Kelly King and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa.  When asked about the award winner, Beth Mathias, Marketing Director for Pacific Biodiesel commented,  "Since 2007 when they were inducted into the Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame, the Hyatt Regency Maui has set the bar for resort sustainability on Maui. With energy and resource reductions, eco-friendly upgrades throughout the resort and an aggressive recycling campaign which includes the proper recycling of its grease and used cooking oil, the Hyatt was the unanimous choice."

The Hyatt Regency Maui's Director of Engineering, Gary Bulson, Executive Chef Matt Smith and   Green Team Chairman Andrew Gress receive the   2011 Excellence in Sustainability Award from   Kelly King, Vice President of Pacific Biodiesel and   Mayor Alan Arakawa

The Marine Corps is now supplying B-20 to their "white fleet" or service vehicles on their Kaneohe base.  They have begun dispensing the B20 in their alternative fuels station, which also provides E85.  Pacific Biodiesel collects used cooking oil around the base and now returns it as biodiesel fuel to the station on base.

Additionally, the base has participated in the Department of Defense Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), which is evaluating a 20% blend of biodiesel in selected tactical, non-deployed vehicles operating on the base. 

Public-private partnership powers research

agreement 

UH Researcher Michael Cooney

Lead researcher, Michael J. Cooney, an Associate Researcher with the Hawai'i Natural Energy Institute states, "This is part of the University's serious and long-term efforts toward
becoming a leading driver of sustainability in the state."

"We're excited to be working with the University of Hawai'i on solving some of these big wastewater problems," said Pacific Biodiesel President Bob King. "Our company was created and built on the premise of environmental stewardship, so it's gratifying that we are partnering with the state's preeminent university campus, as well as helping another start-up, RealGreen Power, to further the mission."

Bentley Reserve hosts special event 

On July 22nd the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance will team up with Amazon Watch for a 'first of it's kind' fundraiser event at the beautiful Bently Reserve building in Downtown San Francisco to raise money for the work of both groups. In the past biofuels, including biodiesel have been linked to deforestation and rainforest endangerment through large scale palm oil and soy production. This event will help educate the public on how supporting local, sustainable biodiesel production and using local renewable resources instead of feedstocks like imported soy and palm oil can protect our planet's precious rainforests.

Both organizations are very excited about this event as it will mark the first time ever a rainforest protection group and a biofuels organization have worked together for a common cause.  The evening will include great food, a live auction and entertainment by Sara Wasserman and special friends in one of the most elegant settings in San Francisco.  For more information and tickets click here.

Pat Simmons with Pacific Biodiesel's Kelly King

Grammy award winning songwriter and founding member of The Doobie Brothers, Pat was introduced to biodiesel through his friend Willie Nelson and has been a supporter, both personally and professionally, ever since. When at home on Maui, both Pat and his wife Cris fuel their personal vehicles with B100.  When on the road, The Doobie Brothers make a point to educate their fans on the importance of individual involvement in social and environmental change.  Pat joined the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance's Honorary Board of Directors in 2007, pledging to use his voice and image to support the development of sustainable, community-based biodiesel programs and the pursuit of a sustainable U.S. biodiesel industry.  The impact of his support is truly priceless.