Port Chester Business Celebrates Green Expansion

Westmore Fuel Company today has the grand opening of its new biodiesel terminal in Port Chester.

The new terminal at 2 Purdy Ave. provides complete integration of the renewable fuel biodiesel into both on-road diesel fuel and heating oil.

Speakers at the event are expected to include Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla, Tom Verry from the National Biodiesel Foundation, Tom Barone from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Rick Bologna from Westmore Fuels, Christina Ficicchia from New York City & Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communitiess

“Every drop of biodiesel we sell means less reliance on foreign oil," said Westmore Fuel General Manager Rick Bologna. "Of course we’re fuel dealers, but we wanted to do something good for the environment and the country’s energy security.  I’m the third generation of our family in the business, and want to leave the planet a better place for my own kids.”

Westmore sells 15 to 20 million gallons of fuel annually. Estimates show that biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate emissions by more than 15 percent when compared to typical diesel fuel. Made with 100% North American recycled fats and oils as a feedstock, the biodiesel is supplied by Ultra Green Energy Services, LLC, a leading Northeast distributor.

The Westmore terminal expands the distribution area of biodiesel into southern Westchester and Fairfield counties, and serves as an important linchpin for the overall infrastructure base for biodiesel in the metro New York area. 

“The transportation sector accounts for more than 78 percent of the fossil fuels consumed in New York State,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Governor Cuomo has stressed the importance of investing in energy efficiency and cleaner technologies to protect the residents and businesses in our communities as well as our environment. By helping Westmore Fuel expand its biodiesel facilities, we can broaden the use and acceptance of this fuel, while adding an element of renewability to a dwindling and costly resource.”

Ultra Green Energy Services’ Vice President, Michael Cooper notes, "Ultra Green Energy Services is very proud to have been Westmore Fuel's sole supplier of biodiesel since 2008. As business owners, Dick and Rick Bologna have taken action and invested money to include biodiesel in all their products. As industry leaders they have led by example to improve the quality and image of the fuels they sell, as biodiesel blends positively impact national supply and the future of liquid fuels.  Ultra Green Energy Services salutes Westmore Fuel's investment and upgrade to blend biodiesel at their Port Chester terminal. We look forward to years of continued success working with the Bolognas and Westmore Fuel."

This project was the culmination of five years of improvements to the business whereby Westmore Fuel installed a 20,000-gallon storage tank for B-100 biodiesel, as well as equipment to blend the fuel with other diesel fuels and distribute it on four tanker-truck filling racks. The project includes $200,000 in incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The project was also assisted by the National Biodiesel Foundation (NBF) of Jefferson City, MO. The scope of the project was to increase market penetration of biodiesel into the downstate area. The project will expand availability of biofuels in Westchester County, Connecticut and the New York City metropolitan area.

NYCLHVCC’s Executive Director, Christina Ficicchia says, “Biodiesel is a cleaner burning domestic fuel that will make a real difference in cleaning the air for Southern Westchester and Fairfield counties. Westmore Fuels new terminal is a tremendous step in the continued education and acceptance of alternative fuels and technologies.”

NBF’s Executive Director Tom Verry notes, “We are thrilled to have such a great partnership with Westmore that will provide a reliable supply of high quality, precision blended biodiesel to such an important metropolitan region, reaching important new fleets and customers.  Biodiesel is where the market is heading, and we want to make sure people know it’s a choice they can make today.”

About Biodiesel:

Biodiesel is a vegetable based oil which has become increasingly familiar as a domestic alternative to diesel fuel, and can be mixed into the petroleum based fuel to run in diesel engines or home heating oil equipment, most commonly anywhere from B2 to B20 (i.e. 20% biodiesel). A renewable plant based fuel, it burns more cleanly than diesel, saving on emissions and improving air quality in the region. Use of this domestic fuel offers energy security and greater price stability.

About Westmore Fuel Company

Westmore Fuel Company, Inc. has been supplying fuel in the area since 1938 and recognizes the importance of meeting current customer needs but taking a hard look towards the future. They are a retail and wholesale fuel company, providing on-road diesel, heating oil, and any blend of biodiesel from B1 to B99.  The company maintains an office in Greenwich, CT and terminal storage in Port Chester.

Its service area extends from southern Westchester County (New Rochelle) to the towns of Bedford and Pound Ridge, and from Greenwich north to Wilton and Westport.

About Ultra Green

Ultra Green Energy Services' management has over 50 years of leadership in the biofuels and petroleum sectors. Beginning with grain trading in the 1970's and ethanol project development and marketing in the 1980's, UGES' management's activities have led to the development of unique hedging strategies and financial facilities to promote biofuels production and sales. In 2001, UGES' principals were the first heating oil dealers in the U.S. to market a biodiesel blend as retail Bioheat®. UGES has achieved success bringing biofuels to the wholesale petroleum market and is uniquely positioned as the New York Metropolitan Region's largest biodiesel terminal network. Visit http://www.ugesllc.com for more information.

About The National Biodiesel Foundation

The National Biodiesel Foundation was organized in 1994. The mission of the National Biodiesel Foundation is to accomplish outreach, education, research and demonstration activities for the advancement of biodiesel and its co-products to improve rural economic development, national security, air quality and the environment. Visit http://www.biodieselfoundation.org for more information.

About NYSERDA

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975. NYSERDA strives to facilitate change through the widespread development and use of innovative technologies to improve the State’s energy, economic, and environmental wellbeing. In fulfilling its mission, NYSERDA’s workforce reflects its public service orientation, placing a premium on objective analysis and collaboration, as well as reaching out to solicit multiple perspectives and share information. NYSERDA is committed to public service, striving to be a model of efficiency and effectiveness, while remaining flexible and responsive to its customers’ needs. Visit http://www.nyserda.ny.gov for more information

About New York City & Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities, Inc. (NYCLHVCC)

New York City Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities, Inc. (NYCLHVCC) was incorporated in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and US Department of Energy clean cities coalition that is tasked with providing support and management skills necessary to advance the region’s economic, environmental and energy security through building local public-private partnerships towards promoting the use of technologies and practices that reduce petroleum consumption throughout New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley (Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties). NYCLHVCC works closely with private energy companies, local academia and City, State and County agencies to assist in the reduction of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emitted by vehicles and particulate matter (PM) pollutants in the NYC and Lower Hudson Valley region. For more information visit http://www.nyclhvcc.org .