Support is building for region's first biodiesel plant




By HOWARD WEISS-TISMAN, Brattleboro Reformer



GREENFIELD, Mass. -- The region's first commercial biodiesel production plant could be up and running within a year, after investors voted this month to support the plant's business plan.
A group of local supporters of the alternative fuel started an energy cooperative, Co-op Power, about a year and a half ago.

About 165 members have joined the energy co-op.

For a $975 membership share, Co-op Power members have been pooling their funds to try to raise the capital necessary for building a biodiesel plant.

The company that will build and manage the plant, Northeast Biodiesel, has secured a site in Greenfield. At a meeting in December, Co-op Power members voted unanimously to invest $125,000 in Northeast Biodiesel.

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