05/11/2008 (Market Watch), Los Angeles - South Florida adoption of palm oil blend shows support for the palm oil industry

The American Palm Oil Council (APOC), a U.S. association representing the Malaysian palm oil industry, applauds the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority's decision to run eight of 10 Tri-Rail locomotives on a 99 percent blend of either palm or soy oil.

"Tri-Rail's move to biodiesel fuel is a clear statement of South Florida's dedication to preserving the environment as well as a vote of confidence for the palm oil industry. The transition is a great step forward, and we encourage other transportation authorities in the United States to follow South Florida's lead," said Mohd Salleh Kassim, APOC's executive director.

Malaysia has taken a leading role on the global stage of environmental conservation. In September Malaysia was the first country to have a plantation certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), the world's only international association formed to codify sustainable industry practices. Another Malaysian plantation was certified shortly after, and more are in the final stages of the audit process. While the RSPO system can be costly, Malaysia is in the process of developing a parallel system that will make certification cost-effective for smaller plantations.

Kassim continued, "The Malaysian palm oil industry is committed to sustainable energy solutions. We want consumers here in the U.S. to know that palm oil purchased in Malaysia is produced in a responsible, environmentally-friendly manner."

The major Malaysian producers of palm oil, in cooperation with the Malaysian government, have exhibited a strong commitment to zero-burning replanting techniques, protecting species such as orangutans, and the certification of palm oil from established, licensed plantations.

Malaysia has launched a Palm Oil Wildlife Conservation Fund to further proposals to protect and enhance biodiversity. In Malaysia rain forests are not being destroyed for palm oil cultivation. Instead of opening up large new pieces of land, Malaysian plantations replant on existing plantations, chipping the old oil palm trunk and fronds and using the residue as mulch for the newly planted crops.

The American Palm Oil Council, the U.S. association representing the Malaysian palm oil industry, works to educate the American public about the benefits of palm oil, which is used around the world in food applications, biofuel, soaps, candles, and other products.

This communication is distributed by Prism Public Affairs on behalf of the American Palm Oil Council. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.