Changing marketplace : as gas prices drop, a maker of alternative fuel adapts

Tina Fischer

Source

Mainebiz

Date

1-26-2015

Pages

26-28

Abstract

Maine Standard Biofuels, the only EPA-registered biodiesel manufacturer in Maine, has had to adapt its product line and operations in response to lower petroleum prices. The recent drop in the price of oil has resulted in federal subsidies expiring or being delayed. The biofuel industry also faces regulatory changes which create uncertainties, such as the EPA delaying the setting of Reusable Fuel Standard mandates and Congress not voting on the so-called blenders tax-credit. The result is that many biofuel companies have closed. Maine Standard Biofuels collects used cooking oil and creates three marketable products, heating oil, engine fuel, and a liquid soap made from a by-product of the process. Maine Standard Biofuels founder and president Jarmin Kaltsas remains optimistic that his business can still succeed as there are people and businesses that value the commitment to become less dependent on foreign oil and to burn a cleaner fuel that results in less wear and tear on engines and emits fewer pollutants, than solely focusing on the balance sheet.

Subjects

Biomass energy, Small business—Management, Technological innovations

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