Dingell Celebrates Opening of Monroe County Biodiesel Station

Monroe, MI –  Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) celebrated the opening of a new biodiesel fueling station in Monroe County.  Dingell joined U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), the Monroe County Road Commission (MCRC), and Michigan’s transportation, energy, and environmental experts in a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The station  was made possible by federal funding secured by the Congressman and will service vehicles for MCRC and the Lake Erie Transportation Commission (LETC).  This collaboration will reduce the cost of fuel for both agencies, allow for the conversion of new biodiesel vehicles, and improve the environment by taking exhaust emissions off the road. 

In 2008, Dingell worked with the Federal Highway Administration and former Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN8) of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to secure $1 million in federal funding for the accommodation of biodiesel fuel pumps in Southeast Michigan.  Dingell fought for this funding because he strongly believes that the station will help to reduce operating costs for transit in Monroe, allowing the Road Commission and Lake Erie Transit to continue to offer exemplary service.

“This station will go a tremendous way in saving fuel costs for the Commission, as well as Lake Erie Transportation,” said Dingell. “More importantly, it will also help to reduce emissions for Monroe’s public transportation making the air we breathe cleaner.  I commend both the Monroe County Road Commission and Lake Erie Transit for their commitment to this project.  Both agencies bring significant dedication to a first class transit system and a bold vision to promote clean energy.”

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