TDOT Region Two Vehicles Begin Using Cleaner Burning Biodiesel Fuel

Portion of fleet in Chattanooga and Cookeville now using alternative fuel

Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced today it has expanded the use of alternative fuels to TDOT vehicles in Chattanooga and Cookeville. Biodiesel, which is made from renewable sources such as soybean oil and other materials, burns cleaner than traditional diesel and requires little or no engine modifications. TDOT first began using biodiesel in 2005 in more than 130 fleet vehicles in Knoxville and Johnson City as part of the Pilot Fleet Program.

“This is a win-win program for both TDOT and for the state,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Switching more vehicles to cleaner burning biofuels is not only beneficial to the environment it also benefits the farmers who grow the materials used to create biodiesel.”

The type of biodiesel fuel that is used in TDOT’s vehicles is B20, which is a blend of 20-percent biodiesel and 80-percent diesel fuel. Currently, 47 vehicles in Chattanooga and Cookeville are using the biodiesel B20 mix, including heavy-duty dump trucks and HELP trucks.

Studies have shown that the use of biodiesel can substantially benefit human health and have less negative impact on the environment than regular diesel. Biodiesel emits lower levels of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate matter than regular petroleum diesel.

“Protecting and improving air quality is vital for our health and environment,” said Ed Cole, TDOT Chief of Environment and Planning. “Using biodiesel in more of our vehicles will help TDOT make significant progress toward cleaner air by substantially reducing vehicle emissions.”

Due to recent advancements in production, biodiesel has become more economical to use and is nearly equal to conventional diesel fuel in cost. Consequently, TDOT launched a Biodiesel Pilot Fleet Program in the Knoxville area in December 2005. After the program proved to be very successful, it was determined that more TDOT fleet vehicles statewide could benefit from this cleaner burning fuel.

“Air quality improvement is an issue that needs to be addressed at all levels of government and business,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Because the use of diesel engines contributes greatly to Tennessee’s air quality problems, using biodiesel is one way TDOT can demonstrate leadership in protecting our environment by reducing vehicle emissions.”

For more information regarding biodiesel fuel please visit www.tennessee.gov/tdot.

Region Two vehicles using biodiesel fuel:
Chattanooga
20 heavy-duty trucks
8 HELP trucks
6 other diesel trucks
Total: 34 vehicles

Cookeville
13 heavy-duty trucks
Total: 13 vehicles

Total currently participating in Region Two: 47 vehicles