Biodiesel powered backhoe breaks ground on bioproducts research facility
A yellow biodiesel powered backhoe scratched the ground, ushering the start of a laboratory that will help curb the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
The Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, or BSEL, is a $24 million joint effort between Washington State University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It will be located on the WSU Tri-Cities Campus in Richland, Wash., and develop process for converting value-added products from agriculture materials.
Governor Chris Gregoire, Senator Maria Cantwell and Congressman Doc Hastings joined Washington State University President Lane Rawlins, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Director Len Peters and Paul Kruger manager of the Department of Energy Pacific Northwest Site Office to launch the start of construction.
Also attending were about 400 supporters from the community, including Gail Apley. Gail is the wife of the late Walt Apley, former PNNL staff member and early visionary behind BSEL.
BSEL marks the first of five new facilities planned through PNNL's Research Campus of the Future. To learn more about BSEL click here.