By Associated Press
Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa County's Industrial Development Authority has approved tax abatements for an 87 (m) million dollar biodiesel and ethanol/methanol plant. The plant could be built in the Cottondale area. The company, U-S- Energy Incorporated, is led by Mark Warner of Tuscaloosa. U-S- Energy will operate the plant that could create 54 jobs and generate nearly 19 (M) million dollars in tax revenues over 20 years. The plant will also serve as the company's headquarters. Alabama is becoming a hub for alternative fuel production, with one major biodiesel plant and two more nearing completion. The state's largest biodiesel plant, Alabama Biodiesel Corporation, is located in Moundsville with a capacity exceeding 10 (m) million gallons a year. Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning fuel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Ethanol and methanol are alcohol-based fuels mixed with standard gasoline to reduce emissions.