Approximately 45 people were hired in early January to refurbish electrical and mechanical equipment and paint buildings. The plant is now fully refurbished and ready to enter into agricultural processing in the near future. SSPC has reached confidential agreements with the farmers in the region to allow purchase of soybeans at a set price for a 15 year period. This will provide price certainty for raw material supplies that will help insure plant profitability. Mexican trucks crossing the border to deliver in LA will be a focus of enforcement actions because engines and fuel are so dirty.
Funding is available in the bill for purchase of bio-diesel fuel and fueling facilities.
Many trucks may use bio-diesel, particularly in California to avoid smoke violation fines. Bio-diesel fuel can be used in existing diesel engines with little or no modifications as an alternative fuel. Use of the fuel leads to much lower emissions while also improving engine lubricity and providing other benefits. All of these fleet vehicles will be impacted in the near future by alternative fuel rules. Some fleets such as federal, state and utility fleets must purchase 75-90 percent alternative fuel vehicles starting this year.