Biofuels for Town and School Vehicles 

Numerous municipalities have converted their vehicle fleets to biofuels. Biofuels are biologically-based fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, and methane that can be used to run vehicles, heat buildings, or generate electricity.  Biodiesel is a domestically produced renewable fuel derived from virgin seed oils (e.g. canola, soybean, mustard, or sunflower) pressed from crops that can be grown in Vermont. It can also be produced from reclaimed vegetable oil, animal fat and, most promising of all, from algae. Biodiesel is known to have less of an impact on human health and the environment than petrodiesel—such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions—while containing a similar energy (Btu) content. 

Biodiesel blends easily with refined petroleum products and can be added to or replace No.2 heating oil or low sulfur (“on-road”) diesel. The word “biodiesel” here refers to the pure fuel, while “biodiesel blend” refers to a percentage of biodiesel--usually between 2% (B2) and 20% (B20)--mixed with petrodiesel.  Numerous communities have started to use biodiesel blends in their vehicle fleets, including  the towns of Thetford, Norwich, and Sharon, among others).  Biodiesel burns more cleanly and completely, reduces carbon emissions and particulate emissions, reduces health risk, reduces engine wear, can increase fuel mileage, and is comparable in cost.  Issues related to higher viscosity associated with biodiesel blends need to be addressed.   For more information, contact Renewable Energy Vermont (REVermont.org) or the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund Vermont Biofuels Initiative at www.vsjf.org.