Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition stakeholders represent land, air and sea

Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Co. of Detroit and Dearborn, Michigan, is one of three new stakeholders in the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition, which works to increase understanding and adoption of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels produced from soybean oil and other renewable resources. (Photo: Michigan Soybean Committee)

The Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC) is expanding its influence by adding three new stakeholders that support sustainable carbon-reduction solutions in three different transportation sectors.

The new stakeholders are Gevo Inc., Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision and Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Co. “Interest in advanced biofuels continues to grow in Michigan as communities seek to reduce carbon emissions from air, ground and water transportation systems,” said Hanna Campbell, demand specialist for Michigan Soybean Committee, a founding member of MiABC. Three new MiABC stakeholders share a vision of expanded biofuel availability in our state.”

Founded in 2022 by MSC and the Michigan Soybean Association, MiABC works to increase understanding and adoption of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels produced from renewable resources such as soybean oil. Sustainable air transportation Gevo is a leader in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon replacements for transportation fuels like gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel.

Gevo is based in Englewood, Colorado, with a commercial SAF production facility currently under construction in Lake Preston, South Dakota. “Gevo sees significant opportunity for biofuels in Michigan,” said Kent Hartwig, director of state government affairs at Gevo. “We look forward to working with MiABC to drive use of renewable fuels to reduce carbon and air pollution. MiABC is a leading group in this area and fits well with the fuels we produce.”

Supporting healthy neighborhoods SDEV works with residents, businesses, educational institutions and community organizations in Southwest Detroit to foster healthy neighborhoods that have clean landscapes, clean air and clean water.

In collaboration with MiABC, SDEV helps organizations access grants to replace diesel equipment and encourages other fuel-saving measures. “Biodiesel is a way to immediately improve air quality since it’s not yet feasible for electric power to fulfill all of our community’s power needs,” said Raquel Garcia, executive director of SDEV. “The work of MiABC helps fill the gap by advancing use of biofuels for transportation.” Reducing Great Lakes shipping emissions Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Co. services commercial marine fleets, industry and governmental agencies by providing bulk liquid fuel and asphalt storage and distribution services at two terminals located in Detroit and Dearborn.

The company also serves as a central hub for sister company Warner Petroleum Corp., which markets and distributes liquid fuels and asphalt products throughout the Great Lakes region.

Waterfront began offering biodiesel in 2023 to help commercial shipping companies reduce carbon emissions. “Being part of MiABC helps us educate our marine customers on the significant benefits of transitioning to a cleaner fuel,” said Jason Smith, vice president of supply and sales for Warner Petroleum. “Biodiesel is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based fuels and is the easiest way to reduce carbon emissions from heavy-duty vessels navigating the Great Lakes and beyond.”

Other MiABC stakeholders Gevo, SDEV and Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Co. join 19 other stakeholders in MiABC.

By joining the coalition, these organizations signal their commitment to improving Michigan communities through heightened energy security, cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Funding for MiABC comes from Michigan farmers through the soybean-checkoff program.

For more information about biodiesel and MiABC, visit miadvancedbiofuels.com.