A diverse group of energy influencers is set to appear August 19 at the Biodiesel and Bioheat Forum sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.
Home heating oil and biodiesel leaders will discuss a biodiesel blend with significant environmental and economic benefits and the role Minnesota soybean farmers can play in meeting the demand of this market.
Find out more in this interview with interview with farmer and Minnesota Soybean Board member Bill Zurn: Bill Zurn Talks Biodiesel and Bioheat Forum
States up and down the East Coast have ventured into new markets and uses for biodiesel that offer significant potential for US soybean farmers and the entire biodiesel industry. Within the biodiesel market, soybean oil has a 50 percent share. The heating oil market is well established in the Northeast and New England, with over 6.2 million homes relying on the fuel during the winter months.
“The Midwest use of biodiesel is lower in the winter while the East Coast use of heating oil is much higher,” said Tom Slunecka, CEO of the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. “Minnesota has an opportunity to grow our supply and better serve both markets.”
Some of the panelists scheduled to appear include:
Paul Nazzaro– President of the Nazzaro Group, he represents organizations pursuing commercial market acceptance for their specific fuels. Paul is also founder and senior advisor of Advanced Fuel Solutions, Inc., a fuel additive company serving terminals, wholesalers and fuel distributors interested in developing and implementing branded fuel optimization strategies powered by field proven chemistry.
John Huber– President of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) since 2001, John is responsible for developing NORA’s activities, including the educational program that includes certification, the consumer education program and the research and development agenda. Prior to joining NORA, John served as general counsel to the Petroleum Marketers Association of America.
Michael C. Trunzo– President of Northeast Public Affairs, LLC., a government affairs, lobbying and association management firm serving clients in the Northeast United States and Washington, D.C., Trunzo previously was president and CEO of the New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) and the NEFI Education Foundation.
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