A new renewable diesel production facility first proposed in 2020 is set to become a reality after Port Arthur city council authorized the city manager to enter into an industrial district agreement with the company.

Emerald Biofuels, LLC. in April 2020 announced plans to build a $ 315 million facility at the GT OmniPort site in Texas 73, which would require 50 full-time employees once operations begin.

“This industry is driving growth and providing excellent employment opportunities for the City of Port Arthur,” said City Manager Ron Burton. “We are looking forward to being a partner with them.”

According to the resolution approving the agreement, the facility, which will be built on 18.71 acres of land, will convert “approximately 7,865 barrels per day of pretreated solid waste into approximately 105 million gallons per year of renewable diesel fuel and approximately 20 million gallons. per year of stocks of naphtha, liquefied petroleum gas, lean gas and soap.

Pretreated solid wastes are listed as primarily wastes of fats, oils, greases and other agricultural oils.

“It’s very environmentally friendly,” Burton said. “We are delighted with it. This is something we look forward to.

Environmental efforts appeared to be the unofficial theme for this week’s city council meeting, with representatives from two groups presenting ideas to council members.

Mitchell Johnson, with the My Community Plan Foundation, spoke about renewable energy with the intention of bringing a “turnkey project” to the city.

According to the organization’s website, My Community Plan Foundation is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that aims to “improve health and education, reduce inequalities, and stimulate economic growth” in diverse communities.

While the idea is in its early stages, Johnson said the next step would be to collect information and provide city leaders with information detailing the organization’s plan.

Hilton Kelly of the Community In-Power and Development Association spoke to the board in hopes of receiving a letter of support for grants that would help reduce greenhouse gases.

Kelly said he was confident the organization would be able to secure a grant for the implementation of the program which would lead to larger funding opportunities, ultimately leading to professional training opportunities.

“This is a great opportunity and an exciting time,” he said.