Biodiesel partnership

Executive Sims with Metro drivers King County Metro Transit is committed to the use of a 20-percent blend of biodiesel to help power its fleet of buses as part of a Seattle City Light greenhouse gas mitigation program. This partnership has established the largest biodiesel-powered bus fleet in the state. The City of Seattle is a national leader in greenhouse gas mitigation and works towards the goal of becoming "greenhouse gas neutral." And Metro is recognized as having one of the cleanest transit fleets in the nation. Most recently, Metro was honored as one of the country's top clean bus leaders by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

Biodiesel fueling Biodiesel is a naturally grown, alternative fuel source. It's a cleaner burning fuel and therefore substantially reduces emissions of pollutants, such as air toxics and hydrocarbons. It also provides significant reductions in greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Because it's homegrown, it reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and it's renewable. And when oil spills do occur, there is very little damage from biodiesel because it is biodegradable. Studies have even shown that it can reduce wear on the life of an automotive engine by up to half.

In addition to cleaner air and reductions in climate-altering greenhouses gases, King County and Seattle City Light are hoping their partnership will deliver added benefits. Demand for biodiesel has been growing rapidly, and now, the industry has reached a point where the in-state commercial-scale production is viable. Farmers and developers throughout the region are actively pursuing their business plans to bring this new clean, renewable industry to Washington state. King County Metro's consumption of biodiesel will help stimulate the production of farm commodities that are used to manufacture biodiesel, creating benefits for both the environment and economy.

	*For more information, visit:*
	National Biodiesel Board Fact Sheets National Biodiesel Board FAQs		Puget Sound Clean Cities Fact Sheet US Dept of Energy Fact Sheet
	Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition A collaboration of public and private agencies and businesses, the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition is working to promote the use of alternative fuels in our community. This site includes local success stories, a calendar of conferences and events, and a list of local fueling stations.		Biodiesel Now This website was created by a group of concerned, private citizens and is a valuable resource for links, testimonials and forums. Individuals can also sign a petition in support of using biodiesel.
	National Biodiesel Board The National Biodiesel Board is the national trade organization for the Biodiesel industry. Here you’ll find information on what biodiesel is, how it’s made, and reports and information on its use.		The US Department of Energy The Department of Energy and its Alternative Fuels Data Center is a great source of information on alternative fuels. The DOE Vehicle Buyers Guide is a good source of information on biodiesel and alternative fuel cars.
	Biodiesel Research Hub Read about the latest research in biodiesel fuel around the country.		Puget Sound Clean Air Agency In addition to forecasting air quality, this government agency provides local education and regulation.
	Biodiesel America This national organization’s mission is to change 100,000 diesel fuel buses to biodiesel in the next ten years. The organization grew out of a one-man campaign, known as the Veggie Van. You can read the latest news stories about biodiesel, learn more about the campaign, and access on-line discussions on the topic.		State of Washington Recently signed sustainability executive order, calls for action on global warming. *Download and print out (pdf) for your biodiesel car window!*

A joint project of Seattle City Light and King County Metro

Biodiesel: Homegrown. Fights global warming.

Latest news on biodiesel

	Updated: August 25, 2006
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