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One Man's Trash Is Another Man's TreasureBridgestone Firestone uses landfill gas to power Wilson plant, help the environment

WILSON, N.C. (August 30, 2006)- Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) in partnership with Methane Credit, LLC and Wilson County, N.C., will begin to generate steam heat at its Wilson County tire plant through an environmentally sound, cost-effective and innovative approach.

Through a recently signed agreement with Methane Credit, a renewable energy developer, BFNT will use methane gas, which is naturally produced at the local municipal solid waste landfill, and convert it to steam heat to supplement the plant’s energy needs. Methane Credit will provide the necessary infrastructure to capture the methane gas from the Wilson County municipal solid waste landfill. If not captured in this way, methane gas would be emitted into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

“As a company, we are always looking for new ways to continue to be a good corporate citizen by implementing policies that benefit our neighbors as well as our company,” said Jim Pridgen, BFNT Wilson plant manager. “This was an easy decision to make. By working with Methane Credit to convert the methane gas to steam heat, we will be able to supplement our plant’s energy needs at a stable price and do something good for the environment.”

In addition to helping the environment, BFNT will be able to purchase the steam heat at a stable price compared to the volatile price of natural gas.

“We are excited to be doing this project with Bridgestone Firestone,” said Jim Voss, president of Methane Credit, LLC, which is headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., and has an office in Charlotte, N.C. “This project is consistent with Bridgestone Firestone’s corporate ethical standards. Further, Bridgestone Firestone faces global competition and by enhancing its cost effectiveness, BFNT can continue to support local jobs, which ultimately helps Wilson County.”

According to Voss, the project would not have been possible without the cooperation and leadership of Wilson County Manager Ellis Williford.

“We are glad that this old landfill can be used as an alternate source of fuel,” Williford said. “Wilson County is a good steward to the soil, and we think it’s an excellent project to be a part of.”

Once Methane Credit installs the first of several wells to capture the landfill gas, it will take approximately 12-18 months for gas to begin flowing to the Wilson County plant.

About Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC:
Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.

About Methane Credit, LLC:
Methane Credit is a renewable energy developer. Methane Credit, LLC was established in 2000. The company's main focus is on landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE) projects, involving the development of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills to generate saleable energy in the form of either electricity and/or medium or high BTU gas for direct consumption in industrial plants.