SASKATCHEWAN CALLS FOR ACTION ON NATIONAL RENEWABLE FUELS STRATEGY

A delegation led by Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby is heading to Ottawa May 11th to discuss Saskatchewan's potential to be a leader in the renewable fuels industry.

The group will collectively press for the establishment of an accelerated national mandate regarding the use of renewable fuels in gas and diesel blends.

"Saskatchewan's considerable feedstock production and current leadership role make us a natural fit for a growing, export-based renewable fuels industry," Serby said. "A national standard will not only put the province in an excellent position to expand that role, it will also enhance marketing and value-added opportunities for our producers."

Saskatchewan has been a leader in the development of the renewable fuels industry in Canada, becoming the first province to mandate the use of ethanol; launching the Greenprint for Ethanol Production in Saskatchewan in 2002; and creating the Saskatchewan Ethanol Development Council and Saskatchewan Biodiesel Development Task Force to ensure an industry-led, strategic approach to building the industry.

During talks with Minister Strahl and the Saskatchewan Conservative Caucus, the Province's delegation will underline the critical need for the incorporation of specific provisions within the national standard.

"Canadian producers are more than willing to be actively involved in the value chain of the renewable fuels industry," Serby said. "Saskatchewan would recommend that over 50 percent of the renewable fuel feedstock come from Western Canada along with the provincial production facilities based on land and biomass availability recognizing that Saskatchewan contains 47 percent of all of Canada's arable land."

Representatives from the Saskatchewan Ethanol Development Council, the Saskatchewan Biodiesel Development Task Force, NorAmera Energy and the South Central Renewable Fuels Committee, along with community-based proponents of ethanol development, are accompanying Minister Serby and government officials on the trip.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031