As spring begins, many of us are starting to put thoughts of frigid weather and snowstorms out of our minds and begin thinking about the first daffodils and short sleeves.
But, before winter becomes a distant memory, I want to call attention to something that most Colorado residents probably took for granted this winter — the fact that snowplows, fire engines, and thousands of other city vehicles and equipment in both Denver and Colorado Springs operated reliably and problem-free during the coldest months. What many people may not realize is that these vehicles run on cleaner-burning biodiesel blends.
Despite arguments to the contrary, biodiesel blends can be used successfully year-round, in any climate. The success these two Colorado cities have had with biodiesel blends, even during the coldest months, illustrates how, with proper fuel management, cities can reap the environmental, health and economic benefits of this fuel, even in a cold climate.
Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that’s also better for our energy security, and even our engines, than petroleum diesel. Biodiesel results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. The fuel can be used in any diesel engine and is most commonly blended with regular diesel fuel at 20 percent biodiesel or less. Every gallon pumped puts money into the domestic economy (in the form of jobs) and helps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
In addition, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Energy (DOE) study has already shown soy-based biodiesel has a 78 percent carbon dioxide reduction. This study takes into account everything from planting the soybeans – for biodiesel made from soybean oil – to delivering biodiesel to the pump.
A 2007 update to the study found that for every unit of fossil energy it takes to make biodiesel, 3.5 units of energy are gained. America’s soybean farmers funded, and continue to fund, much of the research and development of biodiesel fuel through the soybean checkoff.
Denver’s Department of Public Works began using B20 (a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent regular diesel) in 2004 during a pilot program. Since then, the city has gradually increased its biodiesel use and now fuels the city’s entire diesel fleet of approximately 1,000 vehicles and equipment with B20. That does not include Denver International Airport, which also uses B20.
In Colorado Springs, the diesel fleet of more than 2,400 vehicles and equipment runs on B20. In fact, Colorado Springs has been recognized as a national leader in the effort to utilize cleaner-burning biodiesel in its fleet. The city was recently named the top municipal biodiesel fleet in the nation by Government Fleet Magazine.
Since Colorado Springs first began using B20 in 2003, the city has made a significant contribution to environmental protection. As of early 2008, the city had used 1.6 million gallons of B20. City officials estimate that this amount is equivalent to 500 vehicles not being driven for one year, or a reduction of over five million pounds of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
Much of the success these two cities have experienced with biodiesel blends can be attributed to using high quality fuel that meets or exceeds the ASTM International (the standards-setting organization) standard for biodiesel – D 6751. Like regular #2 diesel fuel, biodiesel can gel at very low temperatures. But, with good fuel management and high quality fuel, B20 (and below) users can count on trouble-free winters, regardless of the climate.
Fuel quality is a top priority for the biodiesel industry. That’s why the NBB has developed a voluntary quality assurance program, called BQ-9000 (www.bq-9000.org). The program provides accreditation to producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel that meet stringent quality benchmarks that include: storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management practices.
BQ-9000 is open to any biodiesel manufacturer, marketer or distributor of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in the United States and Canada. Potential biodiesel purchasers are encouraged to check whether a manufacturer, distributor or marketer has received the BQ-9000 seal of approval before purchasing their fuel.
The cities of Denver and Colorado Springs should be commended for their leadership and foresight in successfully integrating B20 into their fleets. Taken together, small steps like these can have an enormous impact not only on the environment, but on the economy and energy security as well. We all stand to gain if more cities (as well as private fleets) follow Colorado’s lead and understand the facts about using biodiesel blends in cold climates.
Ed Hegland is National Biodiesel Board Chairman and a Minnesota farmer.
