A Study to Determine Biodiesel Usage by Puget Sound Fleet Operators

Abstract

This case study research seeks to determine if biodiesel use by vehicle fleets in the Puget Sound area of both commercial and municipal fleets is a suitable fuel substitute or adjunct with respect to conventional petroleum based diesel. This paper examines the ‘real-world’ usage of biodiesel by municipal transit and utility vehicle fleets, as well as a heavy equipment operator, compared with available literature and expert testimony in the field of biodiesel renewable fuels. In terms of environmental health justifications, this paper finds that biodiesel has a positive environmental health impact, such as reduced carcinogenic exposure to diesel equipment users and the community’s environment in which they serve. “Green House” gas emissions are significantly reduced, thus reducing contributions to global warning. Therefore, on the basis of environmental and related health reasons, and related economics, biodiesel usage is justifiable.