Tennessee eyes biodiesel

Jackson (Tenn.) Sun: As motorists, both locally and statewide, continue to feel the pinch of rising gas prices, Tennessee has a chance to become a leader in the production of alternative fuels and reduce our nation's dependency on oil. Sen. Lamar Alexander has shown an interest in promoting clean energy, and we encourage his efforts.
Alexander recently led a round-table discussion on biodiesel -- a hybrid fuel consisting of regular petroleum diesel and organic crops like soybeans. He rightly pointed out that Tennessee is poised to become a major biodiesel hub.
Tennessee enjoys many natural advantages when it comes to biodiesel. Soybeans are our third-leading agricultural commodity. Tennessee also enjoys access to many major interstates. And Tennessee is centrally located.
There are 50 locations in Tennessee where biodiesel can be purchased, but only two production plants in the state.
Promoting biodiesel in Tennessee will take a joint effort. Alexander can do his part by actively promoting the fuel, and by encouraging his colleagues in the Senate and in the House to offer greater subsidies to farmers to increase soybean production. For their part, state lawmakers should begin looking for ways to divert more money toward alternative fuel research.