Hennepin County, Minnesota has made the switch from diesel fuel to a biodiesel blend in its fleet of 175 diesel-engine vehicles, including snow plows, road pavers, ambulances and the county’s mobile forensic crime lab.

“ We are pleased to announce the use of biodiesel in our entire diesel fleet,” County Board Chair Mike Opat said today. “We plan to use 368,000 gallons of 5-percent biodiesel blended fuel during the next year after making the switch in September.”

Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel made from domestically produced, renewable resources, such as soybean oil and recycled cooking oil. It can be used in existing diesel vehicles, without engine modifications.

Although biodiesel costs slightly more than petroleum diesel fuel, it results in better performance, according to Hennepin County Transportation Department officials, who piloted the use of biodiesel during the past two years. Research also shows that the use of biodiesel reduces air pollution, including toxics, cancer-causing compounds and ozone-forming emissions.

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“ We will continue to monitor the cost of biodiesel and evaluate expanding our use of up to a 20-percent blend,” Opat said.

Hennepin has contracted with Lubrication Technologies, Inc., of Golden Valley, to provide biodiesel fuel through the county’s cooperative purchasing program. The cities of Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park and Washington County also buy biodiesel under this contract and use the fuel in their diesel fleets.

“ Using biodiesel is one of the ways Hennepin County is leading by example to improve the environment,” said County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin. “We have made many other strides to green our fleet. The changes not only result in an improved environment, but in a cleaner, safer working environment for our employees.”

Also taking part in the event at the county Public Works Facility in Medina to announce Hennepin’s use of biodiesel fuel were representatives from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Clean Air Minnesota and the American Lung Association of Minnesota. All three organizations support Hennepin County’s efforts to reduce air emissions.

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In addition to soybean farmers, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association says the use of biodiesel benefits the soybean industry and the Minnesota economy overall, and helps to ensure energy independence.