Biodiesel users see benefits in Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (AP) — Central Oregon businesses say they’re willing to spend a little more to ensure their distribution systems are environmentally friendly.

That effort begins with using biodiesel, a kind of processed vegetable oil that businesses from coffee shops to tree removal companies are putting to use, the Bend Bulletin reports (http://bit.ly/xFVpPl ).

Daniel Brewster of Cascade Couriers says when he expanded from a bicycle, he found an electric van too expensive, so he went the biodiesel route.

Biodiesel is more expensive, and in chilly weather some kinds turn to gel, stopping vehicles cold.

Producer SeQuential-Pacific say the rollback of a federal tax credit for diesel blenders on Jan. 1 was a setback, but spokesman Brad Marluke says the plant’s output has gone up substantially in the years since its establishment in 2006.

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Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com