Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded today’s
announcement that ZeaChem, Inc. in Boardman will receive a $25 million grant
from the U.S. Department of Energy. ZeaChem will use the funds to build a
biorefinery which will use purpose-grown hybrid poplar trees to produce
fuel-grade cellulosic ethanol using hybrid technology.
“This landmark investment creates jobs in hard hit rural
communities, further establishes Oregon as a clean energy pioneer and helps
make America energy independent,” said Merkley. “I’m thrilled that economic
recovery funds are creating natural resource jobs and meeting America’s energy
and economic needs. This is a step forward in our efforts to produce
biofuels from woody biomass.”
The
federal commitment will be paired with another $48 million in private
investment to fund the project. Energy
Secretary Stephen Chu and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the news
earlier this morning. The funds are part of up to $564 million from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate the construction and
operation of 19 pilot, demonstration, and commercial scale biorefinery
facilities throughout the country.
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