Portland Biofuels Workshop Focuses on Regional Issues‏

Biofuels are a big subject in Oregon as gas prices soar and people seek earth-friendly alternatives.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - BBI International (BBI), a leading global biofuels and biomass service company, will host the fourth annual BBI Biofuels Workshop & Trade Show Series - Western Region, October 9th - 11th at the Portland Downtown Marriott.

Conference organizers say they will address the current status and future challenges of the biofuels industry on a regional level, backed by high-level speakers, technical workshops, and a trade show that will feature more than 70 exhibiting companies.

Dave Van't Hof, Sustainability Policy Advisor for the State of Oregon, will give the keynote address, followed by a State and Regional Updates Panel that will include Randy Leonard, Portland City Commissioner; Michael Grainey, Oregon Department of Energy; Tim Raphael, Pacific Ethanol, Inc.; and Val Tiangco, California Energy Commission.

Larry Schafer, National Biodiesel Board, and Larry Russo, U.S. Department of Energy Biomass Program, will give an update on federal programs supporting biofuels.

Alex Farrell, an active participant in biofuels research and policy development who serves on several advisory groups in California and internationally will provide his vision of the potential for a sustainable biofuels industry, highlighting major challenges that need to be overcome.

"The legal and regulatory atmosphere for the biofuels industry is changing almost as fast as the feed stocks and technologies," said Farrell. "This is exciting, but also creates a great deal of risk and uncertainties."

Other program highlights include a pre-conference Project Development and Lenders Seminar; technical breakouts covering ethanol, biodiesel, policy, international and domestic markets, finance, and project development; Technology Roundtables; and several networking receptions.

The conference begins Tuesday, October 9th at 6:00 PM with a reception and Grand Opening of the Trade Show. A special pre-conference Project Development and Lenders Seminar will be held October 9th, from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. for an additional fee. Onsite registration begins October 9th, at 8:00 AM and will be available throughout the conference.

The BBI Biofuels Workshop & Trade Show - Eastern Region is November 28th - 30th at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center, Philadelphia, PA. For more information on the BBI Biofuels Workshop and Trade Show Series visit biofuelsworkshop.com.
Source: Wire reports