Mercer Island , WA – Rep. Dave Reichert (WA-08), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology, praised the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today for their expedited action in signing a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) to allow the construction of a new biodiesel production plant by Imperium Renewables in the Port of Greys Harbor. The subcommittee Reichert chairs has oversight of FEMA.  

"I am very appreciative of Director Paulison's efforts and those of FEMA as a whole for their work in approving this LOMR." Chairman Reichert said. "I am particularly pleased that Members from the Washington State Delegation were able to work together in a bi-partisan way to keep pressure on FEMA to take this necessary action."

"Without the support and guidance of Congressman Reichert and the Washington Congressional delegation and their staffs, our project may have been jeopardized," said John Plaza, founder and president of Imperium Renewables. "At the very least, significant delays would have crippled our business. Now, we can focus on construction, hiring staff and producing biodiesel to help reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil and start reducing global warming." 

Chairman Reichert continued, "This action will have a positive impact in Washington State and will save good-paying jobs from going elsewhere. This new 100 million gallon biodiesel production plant will be one of the largest biodiesel manufacturing plants in the country, creating between 250-350 construction jobs during the year it will take to build the plant. Another 50 full-time jobs will be created at the plant and in related industries. In addition, this new plant will supply Washington State with an alternative form of energy that is cleaner than traditional gasoline and will continue pushing us toward becoming energy independent."

Background on Imperium Renewables: Imperium Renewables, the parent company of Seattle Biodiesel, is already a national leader in next-generation biodiesel refining and manufacturing technology, having pioneered advanced technology solutions for sustainable energy. Seattle Biodiesel is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Imperium Renewables, a leader in biodiesel systems development. Imperium Renewables, headquartered in Seattle, WA is one of the nation's leading commercial biodiesel refiners, bioneering locally grown fuel and technology for cleaner air and energy independence. They are the first company in the Pacific Northwest to open and operate a commercial-scale biodiesel refinery producing fuel that meets or exceeds industry standards.