News Links
More Ag News
Ag News
Capitol Christmas Tree Part of Green Movement
Published Monday, November 30, 2009 at 05:15 AM
The Christmas tree destined for the lawn of our nation's Capitol is greener than ever this year. The more-than-six-story-tall blue spruce is on its way from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona to Washington, D.C. The two diesel trucks pulling it are running on B5 diesel fuel. A 5 percent biodiesel fuel mix. The approximately 125-year-old tree is being accompanied by 75 companion trees and ornaments that will be displayed throughout the Capitol. Colleen Crowninshield, manager of the Clean Cities Program of the Pima Association of Governments, points out that - this is the first time Arizona has contributed the Capitol Christmas Tree, and it's appropriate that we made this landmark trip with a biodiesel blend. Using biodiesel reduces emissions at the same time it cuts dependence on foreign oil. The route was specially tailored to allow for easy refueling with biodiesel blends, and public education is planned along the way about the benefits of biodiesel.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will officially light the tree in December at a ceremony along with Arizona Senators John McCain and Jon Kyle and Governor Jan Brewer. The public will be able to view the tree on the West Front of the Capitol grounds, through January 1, 2010.

© 2008 The Nebraska Rural Radio Association. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Page Sponsors
CommunityLINK
Check out our community and available jobs.
Monsanto Power Max Western Nebraska Seed and Chemical Heartland Tour and Travel Aflac/MicheleWilley KNEB Mobile Markets