Building on his already impressive green credentials, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom today announced a proposed agreement between the Port of San Francisco and Darling International to build a 7.5 million to 10 million annual gallon capacity biodiesel production facility near Pier 92 in the Port’s Southern Waterfront. The facility would allow for the local processing of recycled fats, greases and tallow to biodiesel for use by vehicles.”This facility will serve as a model for cities throughout the world who aim to reduce their carbon footprint and transform their grease waste into useable, sustainable energy,” said Mayor Newsom. “Turning waste generated by local restaurants and other businesses into a sustainable fuel source is yet another major step in reaching our goals of carbon neutrality for City Government by 2020, zero emission public transit by 2020, a 75% recycling rate by 2010, and zero waste in 2020.”

Darling International has operated a rendering facility on Port property since 1966 and is the Port’s largest maritime exporter. Subject to Port Commission approval, the plan is for Darling to upgrade its Port facilities to convert fats already produced at the facility into high quality biodiesel for use in vehicles. The agreement with the Port also includes Darling’s commitment to make site beautification and other environmental improvements.

Darling International Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Randall Stuewe said, “We are very pleased to be working with both the City and the Port of San Francisco in developing a facility at the Port that will convert used cooking oil from local restaurants into biodiesel.”

The City and County of San Francisco’s entire diesel fleet currently operates on biodiesel fuel. The transfer to biodiesel was achieved through a Mayoral Executive Order. The order required 100% of fleets to use B20 biodiesel, a blend of 80% petroleum diesel and 20% biodiesel, by December 31, 2007, for the City’s 1,500 diesel vehicles.

Port Commission President Kim Brandon praised the proposal. “Darling is a long-time Port maritime tenant. They are an excellent employer committed to operating a clean industrial facility and recruiting for new job openings from the surrounding community.”

The Port Commission is scheduled to consider the proposed agreement on Tuesday, September 9 at 3:15 PM in the Port Commission meeting room in the Ferry Building.