Second Line Stages Partners with Golden Leaf Energy to Offer Sustainable Fuel Option
NEW ORLEANS, LA – June 1, 2011 – Second Line Stages (SLS), in partnership with Golden Leaf Energy, is pleased to announce that biodiesel fuel will now be offered to the region’s booming film industry. New Orleans’ own Second Line Stages, a state-of-the-art, full-service film studio and the first LEED Silver compliant facility in the country, provides cost-effective, eco-friendly production for major studios and independent filmmakers shooting on-location.
Standardized B5, as regulated by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is interchangeable with traditional diesel and will create no adverse performance effects, nor require engine alterations. It is price-competitive with traditional diesel fuel. The biodiesel is manufactured locally, from spent cooking oil, in accordance with the highest standards (ASTM D975-11) of commercial fuel, the same standards that govern traditional diesel. Second Line Stages offers biodiesel fuel ranging from B2-B100 for both on and off-road vehicles.
The fuel will be available at Second Line Stages, located at 800 Richard Street in New Orleans. Delivery of biodiesel is also available for productions shooting on location. Projects filming in the greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas can now save time and cut costs associated with repeated visits to pumping stations.
“The union is a big proponent of green transportation initiatives. We’re all for it,” Mike McHugh of the Teamsters Local 478 says.
B5 reduces particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in vehicle emissions by 4-5%, while improving air quality for vehicle drivers, on-location talent and production staff. In addition, biodiesel improves engine performance by adding lubricity to diesel fuel that was removed as a result of the mandated switch to ultra-low sulfur diesel.
“As our film industry continues to grow, we applaud Second Line Stages’ continued efforts to provide cost-effective and eco-friendly options to productions,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “Film New Orleans, part of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, encourages all productions to support sustainability in their production techniques and be mindful of their impact on the environment.”
Hollywood Trucks, Louisiana’s largest, full-service film fleet, was the first fleet to commit to using the B5 blend in their diesel vehicles. This program is available to all fleets. A sticker by the gas tank will mark the vehicle’s ability to take the fuel.
“Hollywood Trucks is excited to partner with Second Line Stages to offer biodiesel as an alternative fuel to its clients in specific units of its fleet,” said. Andre Champagne, President of Hollywood Trucks, LLC. “We believe that the future lies in renewable and sustainable resources, which reduce emissions and promote a cleaner environment.”
“Golden Leaf Energy is excited to be working with Second Line Stages. We commend Second Line Stages and their customers, Hollywood Trucks, Limo Livery and others for their commitment to alternative fuels and a cleaner environment,” said Troy Clark, Managing Partner at Golden Leaf Energy. “We are confident that this partnership will demonstrate the benefits and rewards of using locally produced alternative fuel to all fleets in the region.”
Diane Wheeler Nicholson, Director of Sustainability at Second Line Stages said “In 2010, the film industry in Louisiana generated over $450 million in revenue for the state, with more than $300 million generated in the New Orleans region alone. The industry continues to grow and fuel spends are a real part of a budget for every project. The production industry at the national level is committed to going green and the use of biodiesel helps to expand these ongoing efforts toward sustainability in our region. We are thrilled to be able to make it available.”
Rebecca Otte with the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership sees the move as another step in diversifying the region’s transportation fuel options and reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. She said, “With the number of film productions growing in the New Orleans area, this move has the potential to significantly increase the use of biodiesel in our region and helps promote southeast Louisiana’s expanding green economy. We look forward to all the other fleets getting onboard.” The Clean Fuel Partnership is one of 89 US Dept. of Energy Clean Cities Coalitions nationwide which assist vehicle fleets to incorporate cleaner transportation options into their operations.
Productions interested in purchasing biodiesel please contact Diane Wheeler, Director of Sustainability, Second Line Stages: (504) 224-2249 or dwheeler@secondlinestages.com.
For more information on biodiesel in general, please contact Rebecca Otte, Clean Fuel Partnership Coordinator, Regional Planning Commission: (504) 483-8513 or rotte@norpc.org.
