Bozeman-area firm, Sustainable Oils on forefront of biofuels for use by the U.S. military

Camelina, known as "gold of pleasure" to ancient Romans for the skin-softening properties of its oil, may be pivotal to the future of sustainable energy in the United States Military.

According to a recent report, the United States Department of Defense is looking to Camelina-based jet fuels and other sustainable energy sources to fill the needs of the military both at home and abroad and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.

During a press conference Thursday at the Sustainable Oils http://www.susoils.com/ facility near Four Corners, Matt Leow, Montana field representative for Pew Charitable Trusts, outlined the role the company plays in the development of camelina-based jet fuel for military use.

Based out of Seattle, Sustainable Oils has testing facilities in Bozeman where Fernando Guillen-Portal crosses strains to find the best crops for Montana’s unique growing conditions.

The oilseed is "more efficient in terms of yield than say, canola," according to Guillen-Portal, senior plant breeder with Sustainable Oils.

By RACHEL HERGETT, Chronicle Staff Writer

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