Connecticut Governor Rell: State Pumps One Millionth Gallon Of Bio-Diesel Fuel

CTTransit Signs Contract for New Fuel to Power Buses and Heat Buildings

November 23, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, a long-time proponent of the use of alternative fuels, announced today that the state has pumped its one millionth gallon of clean-burning, environmentally friendly bio-diesel fuel into a state motor vehicle.

“This is a remarkable milestone that benefits everyone, as well as our environment because of reduced emissions,” Governor Rell said. “Renewable fuel sources are a key to energy independence because, in the case of bio-diesel, it is made in the United States, and for that matter, is also made in Connecticut. We are committed to the use of alternative fuels wherever feasible and I am pleased to see that we continue to make good on that commitment.”

The Governor noted that this milestone comes on the heels of U.S. environmental officials announcing that Connecticut is the first state in New England to join the federal government's Green Power Partnership. The partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages the purchase of alternative energy to help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, Connecticut is the second largest buyer of green power among its state partners. Governor Rell says about 12 percent, or 84 million kilowatt-hours, comes from alternative energy and the goal is to increase that to 20 percent use by the year 2020.

The Governor also announced that CTTransit, the Department of Transportation-owned bus service, has signed a contract for fuel that is a blend of ultra-low sulfur diesel and bio-diesel. About 3.5 million gallons of this fuel will be used over the next year. In addition, the fuel will be blended with heating oil to fire the boilers that heat CTTransit buildings.

DOT Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter said that the use of bio-diesel fuel helps “ensure Connecticut’s position as a leader in ‘green’ public transportation.”

Bio-diesel fuel can be used in any truck, bus or other vehicle that uses diesel fuel. Connecticut began using bio-diesel fuel in 2000 and the Department of Transportation (DOT) operates 70 fuel stations around the state dispensing bio-diesel, as well as regular diesel, E-85 ethanol and unleaded gasoline. Nine of the stations have only bio-diesel fuel. They are in Danbury, Darien, Milford, Old Saybrook, Putnam, Trumbull, West Willington, Winchester and Windsor.

The one-millionth gallon of bio-diesel was pumped in September. Bio-diesel, or B-20 fuel, is a blend of 80 percent diesel and 20 percent virgin soy. The biggest consumers under the current contract are the DOT, and the Departments of Correction and Environmental Protection.

Bio-diesel fuel offers reduced emissions when compared to diesel alone. As a fuel for buses, it also improves “lubricity,” which is needed because CTTransit operates buses with advanced technology engines that require fuel with a higher lubrication level. In addition, it requires very few, if any, modifications to standard diesel equipment.

CTTransit Assistant General Manager of Maintenance Stephen Warren said, “A bus running on ultra-low sulfur diesel with a diesel particulate filter is as clean as any transit bus that can be purchased today. The benefits of using bio-diesel are numerous and it has virtually no downside.”

Source: Connecticut Governor

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