Released on August 9, 2005
The province is doing its part to make the Canada Summer Games in Regina as "green" as possible.In coordination with Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, and Milligan Biotech of Foam Lake, the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) is using a blend of B5 biodiesel in the buses that will transport athletes to venues outside of Regina.
Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel that can be made from vegetable oils, such as canola, or from animal fats.
"Saskatchewan has all the resources and the research and development facilities needed to develop biofuels and biodiesel," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "We want to build a vibrant biodiesel industry, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help meet climate change and Kyoto objectives, as well as provide additional markets for our agricultural products and create employment growth in rural Saskatchewan."
"STC is committed to incorporating environmentally friendly practices into our operations and is pleased to participate in the biodiesel project during the Summer Games," STC Business Development Manager Dean Madsen said.
Demonstration of biodiesel use in Saskatchewan was a recommendation of the Biodiesel Development Task Force, which was launched in June of 2005.
The task force will examine the biodiesel industry and its potential for the province and make recommendations to further the industry. The Task Force is co-chaired by Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association (SCGA) President Darin Egert and SCGA Executive Director Judie Dyck.
Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan, a member of the task force, is a program funded primarily by Natural Resources Canada and delivered by the Saskatchewan Office of Energy Conservation. The program encourages continuous improvement in energy efficiency and emissions reduction from on-road transportation fleets.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Trish Alcorn Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-5389 |