MAYOR DESTEFANO ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF BIO-DIESEL FOR CITY FLEET

(5/20/2007) ANOTHER STEP IN THE CITY’S PLAN TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSION BY TWENTY PERCENT BY THE YEAR 2010

NEW HAVEN- In a press conference, Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. announced today that the New Haven has purchased bio-diesel for use in the City’s fleet. The City is the first in the Northeast to purchase and implement the use of bio-diesel in a municipal fleet.

Bio-diesel, a domestic, renewable fuel generated from natural oils such as corn and soybean oil, produces 67 percent less hydrocarbons (the leading contributing factor to smog and ozone) than traditional diesel. The move toward bio-diesel is part of the campaign DeStefano initiated to reduce carbon emissions in the City by 20 percent by 2010.

“This is just one way in which we can implement alternatives to conserve our environment and achieve a cleaner and greener New Haven,” said DeStefano. “I am committed to improving our air quality and environmental friendliness by promoting recycling and switching over to bio-diesel wherever possible. This all involves a strong partnership with the City’s public works, livable city initiative and parks and recreation departments as well as all members of the community to make New Haven a model green city.”

New Haven purchased 75,000 gallons each of BIO50 and BIO10 diesel for diesel engine vehicles in the city’s fleet. While reducing harmful emissions, the switch to bio-diesel also represents a cost savings for the City. Research shows that switching from traditional to bio-diesel can result in a savings of up to $30 per tank. Bio-diesel comes ready for use in diesel vehicles without the need for engine modifications.

The city has also purchased 510,000 gallons of ultra low sulfur diesel which has been shown to be 10 percent cleaner than traditional diesel.

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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660