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City of St. Louis
With support funds from the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources, Energy Center, Southeastern Regional
Biomass Energy Program, and assistance from the Missouri Soybean
Merchandising Council, the City of St. Louis Equipment Services
Division (ESD) initiated a short-term biodiesel pilot program in
October, 1999. The purpose of the program was to 1) prove
that the use of biodiesel blends could seamlessly be implemented
in a quick and efficient manner, 2) document that operational issues
were not a problem with its use, and 3) determine if the use of
biodiesel blends was an economically viable strategy for the ESD
fleet and for the economy.
Conclusions from the program:
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Biodiesel is an excellent alternative
fuel that can help fleet operators comply with legislation such
as EPACT.
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Vehicle operators in the St.
Louis fleet were extremely pleased with the testing of B20 blends
that occurred during October and November, 1999.
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The production and use of 450
gallons of biodiesel in a fleet results in one credit, similar
to the purchase of one alternative fueled vehicle which also
results in one credit.
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Based on study results, B20
is the least cost compliance method for the City of St. Louis
to comply with EPACT.
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The use of biodiesel would
help reduce pollution, as intended by the Clean Air Act Amendments.
However, the purchase of an alternative fueled vehicle with
continued use of gasoline would comply with the EPACT mandate,
but would not reduce pollution levels.
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Biodiesel could be domestically
produced in Missouri, which would reduce petroleum imports into
the state and thus, improve energy security.
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In addition to the environmental
benefits of producing and using biodiesel in Missouri, there
would also be economic benefits.
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