Submitted by Monica Lorraine on Wed, 02/21/2007 - 8:37am.

Former President Carter Breaks Ground On GA Biodiesel Plant

February 21, 2007 – Jimmy Carter was an early advocate of alternative energy and conservation, and it appears things haven't changed for the former president.

He helped break ground on a 25 million dollar biodiesel plant in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, yesterday. Alterra Bioenergy will build the plant, which will produce biodiesel from soybeans, canola and cotton seeds. Officials say capacity should reach 15 million gallons by the end of the year and double to 30 million gallons in 2008. Carter said the plant accomplishes some of the goals he set for the nation during his administration. The former president said it is important to use crops that grow on American soil to produce energy.

Carter came into office while the nation was still reeling from an Arab oil boycott that had boosted gasoline prices to record levels. He said energy initiatives during his administration allowed the United States to reduce oil imports from nine million barrels a day to five million barrels within five years. Carter says too much of the nation's energy policy has been controlled by oil companies and automakers.