2004

Release: Immediate
Contact: Jean Donovan, NYSERDA, (518) 862-1090, Ext. 3516

Mirabito Fuel Group to Receive More Than $142,800 from New York State Clean Cities Challenge Program for Projects in Oneonta and Sidney
New Public Biodiesel Fueling Station to be Built

Albany, NY - August 16, 2004 - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that Mirabito Fuel Group will receive funding to install biodiesel infrastructure and purchase biodiesel fuel for two of its facilities in Otsego and Delaware counties. These projects are designed to promote the public use of biodiesel fuel.

The President of NYSERDA, Peter R. Smith said, "Governor Pataki has asked New Yorkers to produce and use alternative energy sources which will reduce our dependency on foreign oil. These projects in Sidney and Oneonta will assist in this goal, and provide the public with an alternative fuel in the form of biodiesel. The use of this fuel has been limited in this area of New York State due to the lack of supporting infrastructure, and I am pleased that NYSERDA and Mirabito Fuel Group can partner to address this issue and provide the public with biodiesel fueling facilities."

"We are very pleased and excited that NYSERDA has chosen our Biodiesel proposal for funding this year," said Joseph Mirabito, President of Mirabito Fuel Group. "Biodiesel is a very easy way for our country to lessen its dependence on foreign oil-producing countries and at the same time offer a more environmentally friendly fuel for consumers to use. It is a win-win situation as far as we are concerned for energy suppliers, energy users and our environment."

Mirabito Fuel Group, a third generation New York energy marketing firm, plans to install a 15,000-gallon tank and a loading and unloading dispensing system at its Sidney terminal. The tank will be used to store B100 fuel, an alternative diesel fuel produced from renewable and recyclable resources such as vegetable oil. B100, a soy-based fuel that is 100 percent biodiesel, burns cleaner than traditional diesel fuel, is bio-degradable, non-toxic, and reduces Greenhouse gases and hazardous emissions such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide. Funding will also be used to purchase 8,500 gallons of B100 fuel.

In Oneonta, a 4,000-gallon tank will be installed for the storage of B20 fuel which is a diesel fuel mixture that contains 20 percent biodiesel. A fuel dispenser and pump will also be installed. It is estimated that approximately 38,000 gallons of B20 will be sold to fleets and citizens with diesel vehicles at this site during its first year of operation.

NYSERDA, through its New York State Clean Cities Challenge Program is providing more than $142,800 toward these projects. NYSERDA funds come from State Energy Plan monies provided to New York State by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by NYSERDA. This is the sixth round of funding for the State's Clean Cities Challenge, and the Mirabito projects are one of six projects to be funded statewide. Total funds to be allocated for these six projects will be approximately $800,000.

The New York State Clean Cities Challenge awards funds to members of New York's Clean Cities organizations to purchase alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and/or refueling infrastructure. Clean Cities organizations in New York State include the Genesee area, Syracuse area, New York City, the Capital District, Western New York, and Long Island. These organizations are part of a national grassroots effort to promote the use of AFVs.

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