GOVERNOR RISCH VISITS REBUILT BIODIESEL
PLANT DAMAGED EARLIER THIS YEAR

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch toured the rebuilt Blue Sky Biodiesel Plant in New Plymouth, where a structure fire resulted in one fatality and partially destroyed the facility on July 7. The plant produces biodiesel fuels, and is the first of its kind in Idaho.

“I am excited to see this plant in operation again. The perseverance that has been shown after such a terrible tragedy is inspiring,” said Risch. “Renewable fuels are our future, here in Idaho as well as the rest of the world. We must ensure that we coordinate state efforts with private industry, such as Blue Sky, to explore our renewable resource options for a future of energy independence.”

Blue Sky Biodiesel will market its own biodiesel and has also overseen all aspects of construction and process engineering for the New Plymouth facility. Blue Sky Biodiesel will be the first producer in the state. The biodiesel Blue Sky produces is designed to provide a public demonstration of the use of this alternative fuel in both fleet and individual vehicles. Initial production will be around 200,000 to 400,000 gallons per month, with the potential to produce up to 24 million gallons a year.

“We are excited to be a part of the industry of biodiesel and look forward to being the first plant in Idaho,” said Doug Black, a representative of Blue Sky Biodiesel. “We have been fortunate to have help from a number of sources, and look forward to reaching our production goals.”

Following the tour the Governor, along with Blue Sky officials, held a press conference where the Governor signed a Proclamation naming September “Renewable Fuels Awareness Month.”

At the press conference Governor Risch also presented Mayor Scott Moscript of New Plymouth with a grant of $50,000. The money will be used to increase water flows for fire protection in the Jiano Business Park, where Blue Sky Biodiesel Plant is located. Idaho Gem Grants are an extension of Idaho’s Rural Initiative.  The purpose of the program is to develop public assets for job creation and economic development. 

The State of Idaho provided a $245,000 Rural Community Block Grant to the City of New Plymouth in 2002 to extend sewer, water and roads to the Jiano Business Park.  Since then, Homegrown Poultry, Timlin Online, Powder Coating Technologies of Idaho, 3MB Specialties and now Blue Sky Biodiesel have located in the park, creating over 30 jobs.  Only one lot remains to be sold.

The City of New Plymouth applied for an Idaho Gem Grant of $50,000 to install a looped distribution system at the Jiano Business Park, which should increase water flows by over 30 percent.

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