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The City of Evanston was recently inaugurated into the Illinois B20 Club for its efforts at using biodiesel fuels to power its fleet of trucks, thereby cutting back on emissions that clutter up the air we breathe.

The recognition came from the Illinois Soybeans Association and the American Lung Association.

Some 145 of the city’s fleet of 366 units, including police and fire vehicles, heavy equipment used by utilities and forestry departments, Parks & Recreation buses and pool vehicles, are powered by biofuels that are produced by combining soybean oil with waste grease, according to Lisa Gray, fleet operations controller.

These vehicles consume 105,088 gallons of B20 annually, which keeps 363 fewer pounds of particulate matter from being released into the atmosphere.

Evanston’s fleet was recently recognized as an honorable mention by the 100 Best Fleets organization, which awards peak performing fleet operations across North America.

“B20 reduces harmful vehicle emissions, improves the sustainability of our fleet, and contributes to Evanston’s goal of being the Most Livable City.” Gray boasts.

Charles Bartling

A resident of Evanston since 1975, Chuck Bartling holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and has extensive experience as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers, radio...

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1 Comment

  1. Is this really a good thing

    I do not disagree with this story but there are some important left out.

    • It takes about 10 units of fossil fuel to create 9 units of biofuel.
    • a gallon of biofuel is made up of 85% to 90% fossil fuel
    • a gallon of biofuel is more expensive than a gallon of fossil fuel
    • fossil fuel will produce better mileage than biofuel
    • when fossil fuel drops in price so does biofuel. When the cost of fossil fuel so will the cost of biofuel

    In general, biofuel costs more and wastes energy with todays technology. It also has been the reason for higher produce prices

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