Back to Fuel/Technology List

Biodiesel Fleet Experiences

Cranmore Mountain Resort Uses B20

Last Updated: May 30, 2008
Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire, has been recognized by the National Biodiesel Board for proving the viability of biodiesel in winter conditions through its use of B20 to operate four snow groomers since 2003. The resort uses more than 20,000 gallons of B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) each year, which results in a 4,000-gallon reduction in the use of conventional diesel. The resort also invested in a 4,000-gallon above-ground, non-heated biodiesel storage tank with collaborative help from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition.

According to Director of Operations Jim Mersereau, Cranmore's use of biodiesel has resulted in a significant improvement in air quality because it burns cleaner than conventional diesel. "This is especially true when the machines are being worked on in the repair shop," says Mersereau. Employees have also found that not only is biodiesel better for the environment but it is convenient to use. "We have never had any problems with the biodiesel fuel in the cold, and we didn't have to make any modifications to our machines in order to use it," Mersereau says.

For additional information on Cranmore Mountain Resort, visit the Web site at http://www.cranmore.com or contact Jim Mersereau at jmersereau.mc@boothcreek.com.

Safeway Delivers Using Biodiesel

Last Updated: February 15, 2008
Grocery giant Safeway has committed to using soy-based biodiesel fuel in its fleet of 1,000 over-the-road trucks as part of its commitment to cleaner burning fuel and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Company president and CEO, Steve Burd, says that while the fuel may cost a few pennies more per gallon, using the fuel will result in lower maintenance costs. Safeway's switch to B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) is estimated to reduce its fleet's CO2 emissions by about 75 million pounds per year--the equivalent of taking nearly 7,500 passenger vehicles off the road.

Safeway uses a variety of long-haul trucks including the International 9400i tractor with a Cummins ISX engine; the Caterpillar CAT 13- and CAT 15-powered International 9400s, International Prostar tractors with Cummins ISX ERG engines; and Freightliner Columbia tractors powered by MBE 4000 engines by Detroit Diesel.

Safeway started testing B20 in July 2007 and has logged over 25 million miles of trouble-free B20 operation in California since the tests began, according to Tom Nartker, Safeway vice president of distribution. The biodiesel launch was celebrated on Jan. 18, 2008, at the Safeway store in Dublin, Calif.

Portland Water Bureau Leads the Way with B99

Last Updated: December 19, 2007
Oregon's Portland Water Bureau (PWB) is committed to using the highest blend of biodiesel available. Since 2006, it has been using B99 (99% biodiesel, 1% diesel) in its city-owned, diesel-powered vehicles and equipment from spring through fall and B50 (50% biodiesel, 50% diesel) in the winter.

PWB's switch to B99 is the latest in a string of initiatives aimed at building alternative fuel infrastructure in the region and state. "We're doing our part to increase biodiesel demand and help spur the development of Oregon-based production facilities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease reliance on foreign oil," says Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard. A long-time biodiesel advocate and an instrumental leader in the bureau's switch to biodiesel, Leonard promotes B99 as a cleaner-burning renewable fuel and an opportunity to boost the local economy.

To that end, the biodiesel used by PWB is locally produced. The city's partners in the effort--Oregon-based Star Oil and SeQuential Pacific Biofuels--blend and distribute the fuel, while regional farmers (from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana) grow the seed crops that eventually become the feedstock for B99. PWB and its project partners are stakeholders in the local Columbia Willamette Clean Cities coalition.

With PWB's approximately 144 vehicles--ranging from backhoes and forklifts to dump trucks and tractors--running on B99, the emissions benefits are adding up. During the first quarter of 2007, the fleet offset:

• 1.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide.
• 1,800 pounds of carbon monoxide.
• 519 pounds of sulfur oxides.
• 170 pounds of particulate matter.
• 126 pounds of hydrocarbons.

Contact: Rick Wallace, Columbia Willamette Clean Cities coordinator, 503-378-3265.

B99 Fuels States Logistics Services

Last Updated: October 26, 2007
States Logistics Services, based in Buena Park, Calif., is a family-owned business that is in it for the long haul. The third-party packaging and transportation company has taken a giant step into the future by deciding to fuel its Class 8 trucks with B99, a blend of 1% diesel and 99% biodiesel. The company made the move after its customer, Clif Bar Inc., inquired about biodiesel fuel. States Logistics did the research and decided to jump in at the B99 level.

"Reduced emissions was the key motivation in our decision," says States Logistics sales manager Matt Montford. "Our drivers report that the trucks are quieter, are smoother to operate, and there's no black smoke." The International trucks have Cummins ISM 425V 410 engines. States Logistics Services uses approximately 10,000 gallons of B99 annually. On-site fueling is provided by General Petroleum Co. The company also leases trucks, and these vehicles operate on B5 based on limitations set by the leasing company.

"We see the move to B99 as a way to support our customer and it sets us apart as a forward-looking business. We believe it's the right thing to do," Montford concludes.

For more information, contact Matt Montford at States Logistics Services.

Salt Lake City International Airport

Last Updated: September 27, 2007
The Salt Lake City International Airport is a major western U.S. hub serving 18 airlines that operate 450 scheduled daily departures. Its location within the city limits of Salt Lake City puts it in an EPA air quality nonattainment area for particulate matter. The airport has instituted a Clean Fuel Program in an effort to reduce airport vehicle emissions by using alternative fuels.

The airport parking shuttle fleet includes 13 35-foot buses and six 40-foot buses that are CNG powered. Due to a recent rapid growth in airport parking, the airport purchased five used diesel buses that are running on B20 biodiesel. Altogether, the fleet operates 24 hours a day and travels more than 600,000 miles per year.

The airport has begun to replace its aging 35-foot buses and the five diesel powered buses with a fleet of 19 40-foot low-floor CNG buses. The rest of the airport fleet consists of 96 light-duty vehicles (49 CNG, 10 electric, 8 hybrid, and 39 biodiesel) along with the CNG buses and three CNG heavy-duty trucks. Through these combined efforts, the airport has reduced its regulated emissions output by approximately 17,498 pounds per year when compared to a similarly sized fleet running on gasoline and diesel.

The airport also has CNG fueling infrastructure as the result of the combined efforts of the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program, Utah Clean Cities, Salt Lake City Corporation, Questar Energy Services, Utah Energy Office, Utah LP Gas, and Utah Hotel & Lodging Association. The fueling facility was positioned to accommodate the airport's CNG fleet as well as private ground transportation providers. It is open 24 hours a day and is also available to the public.

The airport offers private ground shuttle companies a $2,500 credit for driving an alternative fuel vehicle on airport property and using the passenger pickup restricted access lane. By working together with private fleets and the public, Salt Lake City International Airport has succeeded in its quest for clean air through the use of alternative fuels and vehicles.

For more information about alternative vehicles at the Salt Lake City International Airport, contact Ed Napier at ed.napier@slcgov.com.

Hoover Municipal Government Runs on Alternative Fuels

Last Updated: September 24, 2007
With a population of around 65,000, Hoover, Alabama, is the sixth largest city in the state. The City of Hoover currently operates 179 flex-fuel vehicles as well as 21 other light-duty vehicles, 60 medium- and heavy-duty trucks, two buses, two shuttles, and 96 off-road vehicles on B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. The city currently boasts that 80% of the fuel used by its fleet is alternative fuel.

Hoover's police force operates 130 of the flex-fuel vehicles, which are fueled 100% of the time on E85. The remaining 49 flex-fuel vehicles are used by the city's administative personnel. Hoover has also started a test program to use B20 in its fire trucks and plans to forward the results to the National Fire Protection Association.

Hoover may also be the first municipal government in the U.S. to manufacture its own B100 using waste vegetable oil collected from local restaurants. The city also plans to start home collection of waste vegetable oil by providing gallon jugs to homeowners who want to participate.

"The price of the alternative fuels is below the price of petroleum fuel. With our own B100 production, we might even turn a profit," says David Lindon, fleet management director for the City of Hoover. "The mayor and the city council are committed to clean fuel. It's the right thing to do for our energy security and it's cost effective."

For more information about the alternative fuel program in Hoover, Alabama, contact David Lindon, Fleet Management Director, City of Hoover.

Carnegie Mellon University

Last Updated: September 21, 2007
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pa. is an environmentally responsible institution on several levels. A key element in its mission to reduce petroleum consumption on campus is to use alternative fuel vehicles whenever practical. In July 2007, six university shuttle buses began operating on B20 biodiesel fuel. The infrastructure for B20 has been established in the Pittsburgh area and the fuel is conveniently available at a local refueling location.

CMU had originally invested in compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles but found that the CNG infrastructure did not develop in the region as anticipated. "We found that infrastructure is an essential component for any alternative vehicle program to become sustainable," said Barbara Kviz, environmental coordinator in Facilities Management Services. The university is now in the process of selling its CNG vehicles.

A campus-wide survey conducted with faculty and staff reinforced CMU's expanded scope of interest in assisting employees with finding alternative transportation to work. Other approaches established to help reduce petroleum consumption include support for public transportation through bus passes provided to students, faculty, and staff and special parking privileges as a carpool incentive for commuters. Facilities Management Services also uses 10 electric vehicles for transportation around the grounds and a new fleet of campus police cars will use E85 ethanol fuel.

For more information, contact Barbara Kviz, Environmental Coordinator, Facilities Management Services, Carnegie Mellon University.

Clark County School District

Last Updated: September 21, 2007
The Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the fifth largest in the nation. It spans more than 8,000 square miles and provides transportation to approximately 138,000 students. The district currently has 1,450 school buses that use biodiesel and plans to add 100 buses every year for the next five years. The fleet travels more than 18 million miles and consumes more than 3 million gallons of biodiesel (B20 blend) each year. That adds up to 600,000 gallons of petroleum displaced annually.

The school district initially tried using biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil, but found that the vehicles performed better with 100% soybean oil. The district was also able to take advantage of the one dollar per gallon tax incentive for using soy oil. The school district currently has 10 biodiesel fueling stations throughout the Las Vegas area. In addition to the school bus fleet, the district operates more than 500 other vehicles including food service trucks, construction equipment, water trucks, backhoes and mowing machines on B20.

"In Nevada, 90% of the vehicles we purchase are required to run on alternative fuels. We could meet that standard by using B5, but we are using B20 and are happy with the results," explains Frank Giordano, director of vehicle maintenance. "We get the same mileage as we would with petroleum, and we believe we are providing a cleaner atmosphere."

For more information, visit the Clark County School District transportation Web site.

Airport Shuttles Go All Natural in Portland, Oregon

Last Updated: September 21, 2007
The Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon uses several alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG); E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline); propane (LPG); B20 biodiesel (20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel); and hybrid electric vehicles, in its fleet. PDX began replacing conventional petroleum diesel buses with CNG-fueled buses in 1997 and currently has 26 shuttle buses, three heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), three off-road vehicles, and 18 light-duty vehicles (LDVs) that are fueled with CNG. PDX also has five off-road vehicles (OHVs) that are fueled with propane (LPG), two flexible-fuel vehicles fueled with E85, and six hybrid LDVs. PDX has fueled its diesel vehicles with B20 since 2002 and currently operates 18 HDVs, 35 OHVs, and three sweeper vehicles on B20.

PDX installed fueling infrastructure to meet all its alternative fuel needs. The airport currently has CNG, LPG, E85, and B20 fueling stations on property, but cannot sell fuel to other fleets or the public because of access limitations. Larry Medearis, aviation senior manager, Maintenance & Facility Services, points to lower emissions, better relations with the environmental community, and longer operational life, which means more miles between rebuilds, as advantages to the alternative fuel fleet. Last year PDX consumed 276,500 gasoline gallon equivalents of CNG to fuel its fleet of 50 CNG vehicles.

PDX is studying the option to start replacing its CNG shuttle buses with new hybrid diesel-electric buses, and plans to continue using its other current AFVs. For more information, visit the PDX Web site.

Eastman Chemical Switches to B20 Plantwide

Last Updated: September 21, 2007
In 2005, after only one month of testing B5 biodiesel fuel in its diesel fleet, Eastman Chemical Company moved all of its diesel vehicles to B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel fuel. Now, two years later, the entire fleet has transitioned to B30. The diesel fleet, located at the Kingsport, Tennessee facility, numbers about 200 pieces and includes tractor trailers, cranes, medium-duty trucks, bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, and farm tractors. Eastman also has more than 150 pieces of diesel-powered stationary equipment, such as welders, air compressors, generators, and water pumps that are fueled with biodiesel.

The decision to move from B5 to B20 and then from B20 to B30 was based on positive comments from drivers about equipment performance and decreased odor and smoke. Darren Curtis, a staff engineer with Eastman's transportation department, says the company switched to biodiesel because it was an excellent opportunity to do something beneficial for the community and the environment at the same time. "It's not often that something this simple and easy comes along that can have a potentially major impact on the environment and the community."

In mid-2007 Eastman took B20 to a new level using it to fuel its onsite locomotives that are used for in-plant switching operations. According to Curtis, the move has been a smooth one. "We moved the rail system first to B10 and then a month later went to B20. We don't anticipate any unexpected problems based on three things: our previous experience with biodiesel blends, our experience thus far with B10 in the locomotives, and Genesee & Wyoming's (GWI) testing of biodiesel." GWI own the locomotives and perform the in-plant switching, and Eastman provides the fuel. Curtis credits GWI with extensive testing using biodiesel blends.

The switch has triggered a lot of interest in the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia areas, according to Curtis. The general hope is that other large users of diesel fuel will follow Eastman's lead. "Eastman alone can make a small contribution, but it's going to take everyone working together to make the kind of impact we'd like to see," he says.

For more information, contact Betty Payne at Eastman Chemical.

Auburn Tigers Switch to Biodiesel

Last Updated: September 21, 2007
Auburn University's orange and blue Tiger Transit buses are now green. The transit fleet of more than 40 vehicles has made the switch from regular diesel fuel to biodiesel. The switch comes at a time when ridership is at an all-time high. The one-day record was set during the first week of fall classes in 2007 with 17,000 riders.

The buses are initially using B10 biodiesel, which is a blend of 10% biodiesel and 90% petroleum diesel. But fleet managers expect to move to B20 in the near future. The biodiesel fuel is made from soybean oil produced by Alabama Biodiesel Corporation in Moundville and distributed by R.K. Allen Oil Company in Talladega.

While the cost of biodiesel is similar to regular diesel fuel, Dave George AU's director of parking and transit services, says there are many advantages to using biodiesel. Biodiesel actually helps keep the inside of the engines cleaner, and passengers and drivers appreciate the reduction in exhaust fumes. "There's almost no odor compared to the smell of regular diesel," George says. "Plus we get better fuel mileage with biodiesel."

"Auburn's leadership on alternative sources of energy starts on campus," according to AU President Jay Gogue. "Tiger Transit's switch to biodiesel illustrates our commitment to improving energy security for the United States and promoting economic growth through development and use of renewable bioenergy."

For more information about the biodiesel switch of Auburn University, contact Mike Clardy at clardch@auburn.edu.

L. L. Bean Delivers With Biodiesel

Last Updated: August 22, 2007
L.L. Bean was the first major Maine-based company to test market biodiesel in its distribution fleet. The company now uses B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel, 80% diesel, in eight tractor rigs that move trailers between its warehouse locations. B20 is also used in the company's eight shuttle buses that take customers from the retail store to its various Outdoor Discovery School locations. Fuel comes from an onsite 800-gallon, skid-mounted tank installed by Frontier Energy. Frontier is Maine's only full-service supplier of 100% and blended biofuels.

"We at L.L. Bean believe this switch to biodiesel is a great step forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2002, the company donated $1 million to support Acadia National Park's propane-powered bus system," says Carolyn Beem, manager of public affairs. "We had originally planned to use propane ourselves but found it was difficult to obtain the fuel in our location. So we turned to biodiesel and have been pleased with the results." The company initially planned to conduct a full year of testing with biodiesel, but experienced no problems with the fuel even during a particularly intense winter season. So the program was rolled out companywide after only six months. Future plans include replacing smaller vans with biodiesel-capable vehicles.

For additional information about L.L. Bean's use of biodiesel, contact Carolyn Beem at cbeem@llbean.com

Redwood National and State Parks

Last Updated: August 22, 2007
Located near Eureka, California, the Redwood National and State Parks are currently using a variety of alternative fuels in its fleet. They are using biodiesel (B20) to operate 32 heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) used for park maintenance. The park also uses five light-duty electric vehicles and two Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) for light maintenance and park transportation. In addition, the park has an electric tractor vehicle used to haul cleaning supplies to the restrooms, pick up and transport garbage, and to perform routine maintenance work. "The electric tractor is quieter than a conventional vehicle, and it does not disturb the wildlife as much," says Roads and Trails Supervisor Richard Mayle.Redwood National and State Parks currently has an onsite biodiesel (B20) refueling station. "Biodiesel is inconsistent because it usually takes a few weeks to get a shipment to our remote location. Sometimes the fuel arrives in a few days and other times it takes a couple of weeks," says Mayle. "Biodiesel also costs a little bit more than conventional fossil fuel diesel, but we have noticed that biodiesel is cleaner and seems better for the environment."

For additional information, visit the Redwood National and State Parks Web site or contact Richard Mayle at richard_mayle@nps.gov.

Louisville School Buses Fueling with Biodiesel

Last Updated: March 15, 2007
Since mid December, all the buses operated by the nation's nineteenth largest school district have been fueled with B2--a blend of 2% biodiesel, 98% diesel. With approximately 97,000 students, Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District in Louisville, Kentucky, operates 1,100 school buses, which travel more than 85,000 miles a day. According to School Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, the district expects to "significantly reduce" exhaust emissions through the use of more than 50,000 gallons of biodiesel per year.

The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC) played a key role in initiating biodiesel use by JCPS. It helped the district develop bid specifications for the fuel and line up distributors. More importantly, KCFC helped convince Marathon Oil Company to start blending biodiesel at its fuel terminal in Louisville and obtained grants (from the Kentucky Soybean Board, National Clean Cities Inc., and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program) to help it do so. This is only the second fuel terminal of the nation's fifth largest refiner to blend biodiesel. Marathon is now distributing B2 and B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% diesel) for a variety of other customers. "Fuel availability was a huge factor for the school district's move to biodiesel; it started using it shortly after Marathon started blending it," says KCFC Coordinator Melissa Howell.

According to Howell, JCPS fuels the buses from its own fleet facilities at seven depots where many of the district's students transfer from one bus to another. This depot system makes the air quality benefits of using biodiesel particularly important because students have to switch buses in a location where hundreds of buses are operating.

With an incremental cost of only $.02 per gallon, 35 Kentucky school districts are now using biodiesel in their buses. The state offers a tax credit for biodiesel producers and is looking forward to the opening of a major biodiesel production plant within the coming months. Owensboro Grain expects to have a 50-million-gallon-per-year facility--far larger than existing plants in the state--operational in Owensboro, Kentucky, sometime this summer.

For further information, contact Melissa Howell, KCFC Coordinator, 502-452-9152.

Greater Long Island Coalition Celebrates a Decade of Making a Difference

Last Updated: December 19, 2006
Ten years ago a small group of committed stakeholders formed the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition (GLICCC) to address the ozone non-attainment status of New York's Nassau and Suffolk counties. Back then, there were 265,000 alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) on the road nationwide, the United States imported 3.5 billion barrels of oil per year, and the average gasoline price was $1.25 per gallon.

Today, GLICCC is celebrating a decade of making a difference and looking forward to the challenges ahead. The coalition has secured almost $10 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grants to support AFV and alternative fuel infrastructure projects. It has directly funded the deployment of more than 250 AFVs, and the total number of AFVs in the coalition service area has increased 700%.

Another achievement has been public outreach. GLICCC hosts an Advancing the Choice event each fall, drawing fleet operators from across the region to learn about the latest advances in vehicle technologies. Two years ago it initiated a seminar series, with each seminar focusing on a single topic such as biodiesel, alternative fuel school buses, and the municipal AFV market. The coalition participates in other outreach events, such as Earth Day, as well.

"Clean Cities is proud of the Greater Long Island Coalition's 10 years of accomplishments," says Marcy Rood, Deputy Director, Clean Cities. "When I attended its designation in 1996 there was so much enthusiasm among stakeholders. I had a strong feeling it would succeed--and Greater Long Island has proven me right."

One key to GLICCC's success has been its collaborative structure. "We have an active board of directors and executive committee along with committees for specific projects," says GLICCC coordinator Andria Adler. "Because many people are involved, things get done more effectively than if one person was doing everything."

Choosing the right host organization is also important. "A good host can support the organization in between funding cycles," says Adler. In 2000, GLICCC became a clean air program at the Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT), a state-funded economic development organization.

GLICCC is not resting on its laurels. It is creating a new five-year plan that includes a focus on penetrating specific vehicle markets such as refuse trucks. It is also funding and promoting Long Island's first publicly accessible E85 station and supporting the continuation of single-passenger AFV use of the Long Island Expressway's high-occupancy vehicle lane.

Today, there are more than 550,000 AFVs on the road, and hybrid vehicles are selling in large numbers. The United States imports 5 billion barrels of oil per year. The average gasoline price is $2.30 per gallon, with recent New York prices topping $3.25 per gallon. "In the past, it was a challenge to get people to listen and think about vehicle options, but the situation today has made AFVs much more visible," says Adler. "It was important for us to stick with our message during the harder times. Now we're looking forward to even bigger successes."

Biofuels Help Green the Department of Defense

Last Updated: April 26, 2006
The Fort Leonard Wood (FLW) U.S. Army base in Waynesville, Missouri, has used biofuels to displace more than 205,000 gallons of petroleum.

In March 2003, FLW's Directorate of Logistics Transportation Division installed onsite E85 and B20 infrastructure in an effort to meet the petroleum reduction goal of Executive Order 13149, which challenges Federal agency fleets to reduce conventional fuel use by 20% compared to their 1999 level.

Today, FLW boasts one E85 station with a 10,000-gallon storage tank and four B20 pumps that run off two 12,000-gallon storage tanks. Annual reporting numbers show that FLW has used more than 154,000 gallons of E85 and 255,000 gallons of B20.

Of the Fort's 1,113 vehicles, 734--or 66% of the fleet--run on alternative fuels. E85 powers the fleet's more than 300 light-duty flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), while B20 is used in roughly 425 tactical vehicles, which include cargo trucks, wreckers, and armament carriers.

Fuel keys ensure the drivers use alternative fuel, says Keith Bax, FLW Motor Transport Officer. Each vehicle is assigned a fuel key that will work only at the E85 and B20 pumps. Bax monitors the Fort's alternative fuel use using a computerized tracking system in the pumps. According to Bax, FLW now averages about 6,000 gallons of E85 and 19,000 gallons of B20 a month.

For more information, contact Keith Bax, FLW Motor Transport Officer.