"Deck the Hauls" with Biodiesel
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Makes its Way to D.C. Powered by Biodiesel

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Christmas tree destined for the lawn of our nation's Capitol is greener than ever. A more-than-six-story-tall blue spruce is on its way from Arizona to Washington, D.C. powered by a blend of cleaner burning biodiesel.

Two diesel trucks running on B5 (a 5 percent biodiesel fuel mix) are part of a caravan carrying the approximately 125-year-old tree from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. They also have 75 companion trees and ornaments that will be displayed throughout the Capitol.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how biodiesel is a green, sustainable part of the solution to meeting America's energy needs," said National Biodiesel Foundation Executive Director Tom Verry. The route was specially tailored to allow for easy refueling with biodiesel blends, and public education is planned along the way about the benefits of biodiesel.

Arizona is presenting the tree, often referred to as "The People's Tree," to Congress as a gift from the state.

"This is the first time Arizona has contributed the Capitol Christmas Tree, and it's appropriate that we made this landmark trip with a biodiesel blend," said Colleen Crowninshield, manager, Clean Cities Program of the Pima Association of Governments. "Using biodiesel reduces emissions at the same time it cuts dependence on foreign oil."

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will officially light the tree in December at a ceremony along with Arizona Senators John McCain and Jon Kyle and Governor Jan Brewer. The public will be able to view the tree on the West Front of the Capitol grounds, through January 1, 2010.

The Tucson Regional Clean Cities Program at Pima Association of Governments, the National Biodiesel Foundation and Southwest Industrial Rigging aided Arizona officials in plotting the route to Washington, D.C.

Biodiesel is a cleaner burning renewable fuel for diesel engines. It is made from abundant agricultural co-products, such as soybean oil, other vegetable oils, fats and recycled cooking oil. The soybean checkoff and United Soybean Board initiated biodiesel research and development, and continue to support its growth today.

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