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Environmental Progress - Summer 2003

Springfield's "Green Bus Fleet" Adds Biodiesel Fuel To Its Tanks

State capital buses already running on natural gas

Biodiesel fuel based on soybean oil helps both the Illinois air and the state's economy.
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(JPG 50k file)

The Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) won praise from the Illinois EPA recently for its renewed commitment to cleaner fuels in adding biodiesel fuel to its menu of available clean fuels. Biodiesel is the second clean domestic fuel that the district has implemented.

In 2001, the district received a five-star designation as an Illinois Green Fleet for operating 18 buses in its fleet on natural gas. More recently, the SMTD announced its commitment to use biodiesel in the remaining 32 diesel-powered buses.

"The District has enhanced its status as a five-star Illinois Green Fleet by incorporating biodiesel, consisting of soybean oil, in the diesel portion of its bus fleet," said Director Renee Cipriano. "The use of cleaner fuels like biodiesel is good for the state's economy and is a benefit to air quality in the Springfield area."

Beyond the natural gas-powered and biodiesel-fueled buses currently being operated by the SMTD, the district plans to purchase seven new natural gas-powered buses within the year to replace older diesel-powered buses Additional information on the Illinois Green Fleet Program, administered by the Illinois EPA, is available at www.illinoisgreenfleets.org.