Video: Wash. biodiesel going overseas

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SEATTLE - Biodiesel appears to have just taken the step from boutique curiosity to the big-time global energy game.

Seattle's Imperium Renewables proudly opened an $80 million refinery in Grays Harbor County last August.

"It's a massive increase for the potential consumption and an increased quality, lower costs, it's really an exciting opportunity for consumer," said John Plaza, Imperium President.

To help kick-start the industry, the government offered a taxpayer subsidy for up to $1 a gallon for biodiesel production.

But the majority of the biodiesel will never make it to the tanks of local residents. It's shipped to the diesel-starved markets in Europe and other foreign countries. U.S. tax dollars are helping customers there more than here.

Plaza issued this statement today: "Europe is currently the major consumer market willing to pay for our product at positive profit margins. Smart decisions like this today will allow us to succeed here at home, as well as continue to realize the benefits - and the jobs - associated with this vibrant new industry."

The statement also says Imperium is still providing biodiesel to local governments and is preparing to meet growing demands at home.

Representatives of the region's blossoming biodiesel industry say Imperium is just practicing good business.

"We want to be able to grow the industry and right now with the weak dollar, and the high commodity prices, in order to have the industry thrive, we need to be able to export as well as sell to our local market," said Nikola H.L. Davidson, Director of the NW Biofuels Association.

Senator Maria Cantwell was a big supporter of incentives to the industry. KING 5 was not able to get a comment from her Friday.