In early 2007, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative converted all of its bucket trucks and other diesel-powered vehicles in Tavernier and Marathon to biodiesel, a clean burning alternative fuel. The conversion requires no modifications to the vehicles but substantially lowers emissions.

According to the National Biodiesel Board (biodiesel.org), the alternative fuel is produced from domestic, renewable resources and contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

FKEC's supplier, SolAtlantic Biodiesel of Hialeah Gardens, is delivering the 99% biodiesel blend in 500-gallon increments.

"The switch drastically reduces the emissions produced by FKEC's trucks and will ultimately support American farmers," said FKEC CEO Scott Newberry. "And since it is made from renewable resources, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy. It looked like win-win to us."

FKEC expects to consume approximately 1,000 gallons of biodiesel a week. After being refined, every 42-gallon barrel of crude oil yields about 10 gallons of traditional diesel fuel, with the remainder becoming gasoline and other products.

"If you look at the just the amount of oil that needs to be refined to create traditional diesel, FKEC will be consuming 100 fewer barrels every week, which equates to 5,200 barrels per year," Newberry said. "It may not be much compared to our national consumption, but it's a start."

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The Advantages of Biodiesel

• Biodiesel is the only U.S. alternative fuel to pass EPA Health Effects Testing, which provide the most thorough testing of environmental and health effects attributes.
• The only alternative fuel that runs in any conventional, unmodified diesel engine and can be stored where petroleum diesel is.
• Biodiesel can be used alone or mixed in any ratio with petroleum diesel fuel.
• The lifecycle production and use of biodiesel produces approximately 80% less carbon dioxide emissions, and almost 100% less sulphur dioxide.
• Biodiesel is 11% oxygen by weight and contains no sulphur. Its use can extend the life of diesel engines because it's more lubricating.
• It is safe to handle/transport because it is as biodegradable as sugar, and 10 times less toxic than table salt.
• It can be made from domestically produced, renewable oilseed crops (i.e. soybeans, canola, cotton, palm and mustard seed)
• Biodiesel is a proven fuel with over 30 million successful US road miles, and over 20 years of use in Europe.
• Biodiesel replaces petroleum exhaust odor with the pleasant smell of popcorn or french fries.

Source: www.biodiesel.org