Pilot program for use of biodiesel fuel
Metro Transit pilot project may tip balance for new statewide industry
Venture produces largest biodiesel-powered fleet in the state
Metro's biodiesel project is supported by a broad partnership.
Representing those partners are (from left): King County Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond; King County Wastewater Treatment Division Director Don Theiler; King County Department of Transportation Director Harold Taniguchi; Dean Boyer, Washington State Farm Bureau; K.C. Golden, Climate Solutions; Seattle City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco; and King County Executive Ron Sims.
King County Metro Transit’s nationally recognized fleet of clean buses is about to become even cleaner, and will help bring to Washington the first in-state commercial-scale production of biodiesel fuel made from seed crops. The pilot program will also serve as an investment in Washington’s sustainable future.
Biodiesel is a fuel that is made from natural ingredients, such as the seed crops that are used to make vegetable oil. Metro has committed to pilot the use of a blend of five percent biodiesel and 95 percent Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) over the next two years, and is already using the fuel at its Ryerson and Bellevue bases. It hopes to power its entire fleet of more than 1,200 diesel buses with the biodiesel by the end of 2006.
Although King County's primary concern is cleaner emissions, the project could also lower the price of biodiesel, and create new markets for Washington farmers.
The pilot project is being funded through a Seattle City Light mitigation program. The City of Seattle is a national leader in greenhouse gas mitigation and works towards the 2005 goal of becoming "greenhouse gas neutral."
Over the past several years, Metro has switched all of its diesel buses to ULSD. This was done far in advance of the federal regulations that will soon require all diesel vehicles to use the clean-burning fuel. The fuel switch reduced particulate emissions by 90 percent in Metro's buses. Now, the addition of biodiesel to the fuel mix will help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide coming out of the tailpipe.
Because Metro buys more than 10 million gallons of fuel a year, even a five percent addition of biodiesel will result in a big increase in demand for fuel distributors. Metro believes this will open up the local biodiesel market to other consumers, such as school districts, small trucking firms and even individual car owners.
"Metro Transit's commitment to piloting the use of biodiesel will make it the single largest user of the fuel in the State of Washington which will, in turn, significantly increase markets for this clean burning alternative to fossil fuel," said King County Executive Ron Sims.
Because biodiesel is a not a fossil fuel, the state's agricultural boosters are excited that it could create a whole new cash crop for Washington's farmers. Demand for biodiesel has been growing rapidly, and now the industry has reached a tipping point where the first in-state commercial-scale production is viable. Farmers and fuel producers throughout the region are actively pursuing business plans to bring this new clean, renewable industry to Washington State.
Since Metro purchases more than 10 million gallons of diesel a year, it expects to purchase approximately one-half million gallons to operate the entire fleet on the biodiesel blend.
Over the next two years, Seattle City Light and King County will monitor the program and document actual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions tied to Metro's use of the biodiesel.
- Watch a video report on the October 26 biodiesel event.
Environmental award
In addition to the exciting news about biodiesel, King County also learned on Tuesday that Metro is one of seven organizations being recognized by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (ESSI) as a National Clean Bus Leader for 2004.
Metro was recognized for its leadership in investing in advanced technologies and emissions reduction strategies. By year's end, King County expects to fully integrate 213 hybrid-electric buses into full-time service. In their first year of service, the hybrids are expected to save approximately 750,000 gallons of petroleum and provide a quieter, more efficient service. King County 's use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) continues to significantly reduce particulate matter and other emissions, while spurring the development of this important market. For more information on this prestigious award, visit the EESI website. [external link]
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