Giving biodiesel fuel a whirl
Boynton Beach ยท Recycled restaurant grease. Soybean and vegetable oils. They could all make their way into city vehicle gasoline tanks this fall.
City officials propose starting up a biodiesel fuel pilot program as the price gap between regular diesel and the alternative fuel narrows.
In doing so, Boynton Beach might become the first city in Palm Beach County to buy into the fuel blend of biodegradable materials and petroleum.
Fleet Administrator Tim Calhoun said he would propose purchasing a two-week supply, or 7,200 gallons, of biodiesel to power some of the city’s 120 diesel-run vehicles. He’s been keeping tabs on the price of the Earth-friendly alternative as it’s come in line with diesel.
“It’s gotten to the point now where it’s cost competitive,” Calhoun said.
Commissioners would need to approve the estimated $19,000 purchase of B20, the biodiesel blend the city would consider, which is safe to use without modifying engines.
As of July 3, the city paid $2.66 per gallon for unleaded gas and $2.53 per gallon of diesel fuel. The price of B20 is about $2.63 per gallon, Calhoun said.
“This is something the city staff is really seriously considering,” said public works director Jeff Livergood.
Livergood hopes the program will help increase biodiesel awareness, especially with other government agencies.
“It’s going to be up to the government sector to provide the impetus and provide the initial markets to the private sector,” he said. “I believe that very strongly.”
But there would be a limit as to how much money the city would be willing to lose to kick-start the market and conserve energy, he said.
Mayor Jerry Taylor said he wants to know more about biodiesel’s effectiveness before deciding whether to buy any, but he will consider a report prepared by Palm Beach County fleet management director Doug Weichman.
“At this point I’m undecided,” he said. “I’ll keep an open mind.”
Weichman’s report outlines how biodiesel may be 2 percent less efficient than diesel, has a six-month shelf life and can void vehicle warrantees.
Palm Beach County administrator Bob Weisman said the county does not plan to purchase biodiesel fuel.
Yet biodiesel’s popularity has grown, in part thanks to a federal tax incentive implemented in January 2005, said Amber Thurlo Pearson, spokeswoman for the National Biodiesel Board, a nonprofit trade association.
From 2004 to 2005, biodiesel production in the country tripled from 25 million to 75 million gallons, she said. By the end of this year, production is estimated to reach the 150 million-gallon mark.
“We think that biodiesel will continue to grow,” Pearson said. “It adds to our economy, cuts emissions and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.”