D.C., New York, New Orleans Lead the Way on Biodiesel

An increasing number of U.S. cities are switching their diesel fleets to biodiesel, a renewable fuel produced from biomass (such as waste oils) that helps alleviate the demand for petroleum products. Compared to diesel, biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86 percent. Not only does biodiesel burn cleaner than conventional diesel, it is also considered nontoxic and biodegradable by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The D.C. Department of Public Works (DPW), which fuels more than 4,000 government vehicles, mandated the use of 100-percent biodiesel in most of its diesel fleet. According to Chris Geldart, DPW’s Director, “DPW’s diesel refuse trucks cause the highest amount of emissions per vehicle in the entire District fleet.” By switching to biodiesel, DPW could potentially reduce refuse truck emissions by 75 percent, based on the results of a pilot program involving 6 trucks. In 2018, the District of Columbia used 120,000 gallons of biodiesel in government vehicles, which resulted in 1,000 fewer tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2020, DPW is expected to add 17 new trucks that are 100 percent biodiesel.

Other major cities are also using biodiesel to reduce GHG emissions. New York City uses biodiesel to fuel 11,000 vehicles, which is helping to clean the city’s air and combat the climate crisis. In addition to powering vehicles, New York City used 35 million gallons of biodiesel, blended with heating oil, to heat buildings in 2018. Blends of biodiesel and heating oil reduce emissions of local particulate matter and greenhouse gases.

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in New Orleans plans to purchase 19 biodiesel buses using a $7.2 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Biodiesel buses will help the city achieve its plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions 50 percent by 2030. Currently, the RTA has 16 articulated buses that are biodiesel and electric hybrids.

Biodiesel, and biofuels in general, provide myriad benefits to human health and the environment. Until we are able to produce a significant number of electric vehicles, and have them run on renewable electricity, biofuels will remain critically important. They are the only widespread source of clean, renewable transportation energy.

Author: Savannah Bertrand