Established in 2007, Washakie Renewable Energy (WRE) produces biodiesel through three WRE Group companies. Each company allows Washakie Renewable Energy to control all steps of the production process to ensure its biofuel is high quality and environmentally friendly. Biofuels are made of renewable resources that include vegetable oil, cooking oil, and animal fat. Using biofuels as opposed to crude oil fuels reduces the amount of pollutants that are released into the air and atmosphere. Biofuel is nontoxic and biodegradable, so accidental spills do not pose a threat to the environment or surrounding communities. Additionally, instead of used cooking oil ending up in landfills and sewage systems, these oils are used in biofuel production, which limits the amount of waste in these systems. When fats, oil, and grease (FOG) accumulate in sewage system pipes and constrict flow, sewage backups into homes and on streets can occur, creating health hazards. Further, when a sewer backup occurs, sewage can flow into storm drains and eventually to waterways, creating serious environmental concerns. In addition, FOG adversely affects municipal sewage treatment systems.
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Washakie Renewable Energy has been producing advanced biofuels and chemicals since 2007. Dedicated to promoting environmental health, Washakie Renewable Energy is proud of its production of high-quality, renewable biodiesels.Many individuals believe that biodiesel is a new invention, but the history of its creation dates back to 1900, just a few years after German engineer Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine. When Rudolf Diesel created his engine, it stood out from traditional petrol engines due to its ability to run on fuels from various sources. During the 1900 Paris Exposition, the first example of a diesel engine running on peanut oil was showcased. Unfortunately, the public largely ignored this display because of the increasing popularity of petrochemical diesel.The spotlight did not turn to alternative fuels again until the 1930s. During this time, scientists made attempts to split vegetable oils into fatty acids and glycerine, but they were unable to make any significant advances until 1937. In this year, G. Chavanne filed a patent in Belgium for the process of extracting ethyl ester from palm oil. The product that resulted from this patented process closely resembled modern biofuel and it was used in several successful trials.Between 1939 and 1945, several countries established biodiesel initiatives, including Japan, Argentina, Brazil, and China. However, these initiatives were largely stopped after the petrochemical trade was restored following World War II. The industry again took a large break from the spotlight until the 1970s and 1980s when scientists again started making advances in the production of biodiesels. By 2004, the US had over 20 biodiesel plants, and that number has steadily grown ever since.
Operating out of headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, Washakie Renewable Energy is one of the nation’s leading producers of sustainable biodiesel and its largest seed oil crush plant operator. Washakie Renewable Energy has worked to increase access to clean, renewable fuel sources since 2007, and it partners with a wide range of public-interest organizations such as the Utah Foundation.Utah Foundation is a non-profit research organization dedicated to providing in-depth, accurate, and unbiased information to the leaders and residents of the state. Untethered to any private sector interests or political ideals, the Foundation’s ultimate goal is to improve the overall quality of life for Utah citizens by empowering business, legislative, and community decision-makers to make well-informed decisions.For over 60 years, Utah Foundation has operated with an understanding that public policy influences all aspects of life, determining everything from corporate tax regulations to municipal trash pickup schedules. Of course, elected officials cannot be expected to be experts one every topic relevant to policy and often rely on public interest groups to fill gaps in their knowledge. However, when biased interest groups influence key policy decisions, the outcome often does not benefit the greater good. For this reason, Utah Foundation operates with the sole interest of informing the public. It conducts research in a vast array of areas spanning public finance, education, and the economy to provide the public with truthful and objective information. In this way, it has helped spur the development of solutions to public challenges such as poverty, healthcare, and transportation, all while drawing support from the individuals, businesses, foundations, and the public agencies it serves.
Headquartered in Utah, Washakie Renewable Energy is a manufacturer of advanced biofuel and chemicals with a focus on producing clean, renewable fuel from sustainable sources by an environmentally friendly process. Washakie Renewable Energy also maintains a commitment to community and environmental causes, such as serving as a sponsor for the Utah Jazz Green Team, an organization that facilitates environmental stewardship across the state. The Jazz Green Team spreads awareness of green initiatives and practices that contribute to clean air and water. Established as a part of the NBA's Utah Jazz basketball team, the group encourages Utah residents to become responsible energy users through challenges and incentives for conserving energy. It also supports efforts that advance energy efficiency and overall sustainability by working with like-minded organizations based in the state. Among Green Team members are leaders in the renewable energy and natural gas industries.
