Cummins Approves B20 Biodiesel Blends for Engines
National Biodiesel Board Applauds Cummins for Biodiesel Support

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– Biodiesel supporters have another reason to cheer as Cummins Inc. today announced approval of the use of a 20% blend of biodiesel (B20) in many of its engines. The B20 approval is for 2002 and later emissions-compliant ISX, ISM, ISL, ISC and ISB engines, including recently released 2007 products. The announcement provides Cummins customers greater support when using B20.

The engines approved for B20 are used to power a wide range of vehicles including medium and heavy duty trucks, motor homes, school buses, fire and emergency vehicles, and urban buses and shuttles. The announcement is likely to help Cummins grow its truck engine market share by meeting consumer demand through B20 support.

“Cummins’ announcement is a major milestone for diesel equipment-maker acceptance of biodiesel,” said Steve Howell, National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Technical Director. “Cummins is among the leaders in the on-highway truck engine market. As knowledgeable consumers add ‘support for B20’ in their purchasing decisions for diesel vehicles, the smart companies are taking advantage of that and issuing B20 support as a way to capture this growing sentiment for using fuels we don’t have to import.”

Cummins decided to upgrade its previous position on the use of biodiesel fuel, which limited the recommended use to B5, for three key reasons:

• The American Society of Testing Materials specification ASTM D 6751 now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel.
• The availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is growing rapidly.
• Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using high quality B20 fuel.

“We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our engine,” said Edward Lyford-Pike, Chief Engineer - Advanced Alternative Fuel Programs, in a Cummins news release. “This will enable our customers to have a choice that includes renewable fuel.”

The popularity and use of biodiesel fuel continues to climb. Cummins officials say the company will continue its efforts to ensure that future products will be compatible with biodiesel fuels, and will continue to participate in industry efforts aimed at the development of consistent quality throughout the biodiesel industry.

All major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) support B5 and lower blends, provided they are made with biodiesel meeting ASTM D 6751, the existing ASTM standard for pure biodiesel (B100). Use of blends higher than B5 will not necessarily void existing warranties. A growing number of OEMs are also recommending or requiring that users purchase biodiesel from BQ-9000 certified companies. BQ-9000 is the biodiesel industry’s quality control program for biodiesel producers and marketers.

Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins reported net income of $715 million on sales of $11.4 billion in 2006.

Click here for details of the Cummins B20 approval. This material sponsored by the USDA Biodiesel Education Program.

Biodiesel Options Discussed at Wakeman Seminar

By David Nash, VCS Board member

On January 30, VCS sponsored and hosted an informative presentation on biodiesel fuels. The featured speaker was Richard Lawrence, Education Coordinator for the Cape & Islands Self-Reliance Corp, a non-profit which promotes environmentally sound technologies. Mr. Lawrence spoke on a variety of topics concerning biodiesel, including highlights of where biodiesel fuels come from and how they are being promoted, and gave the audience an excellent background understanding of what this renewable fuel is all about. VCS has been instrumental in promoting the availability of biodiesel on Martha’s Vineyard, in conjunction with various other parties.

Mr. Lawrence’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring several individuals who have been extensively involved with biodiesel, both on Martha’s Vineyard and off-Island, including Ralph Packer of the R. M. Packer Co., Phil Forest of South Mountain Co., Frank Grundel of NSTAR, Scot Lengel of Cummins Northeast, Inc. and Angela Grant of the Vineyard Transportation Authority.

Panel topics ranged from the difficulties of getting a reliable source for delivery of this fuel to the Island, to the engineering details of diesel engines and warranties, to the possibilities for a local restaurant owner to manufacture his own biodiesel from cooking oils, to one company’s experience of having brought biodiesel to the Vineyard in 55-gallon barrels—now, thankfully, no longer necessary. The immediate future may even see increased use of biodiesel in home heating systems.

Finally, the engaging panel discussions prompted a round of thought-provoking questions from the audience. The future of alternative fuels, including biodiesel, is looking better all the time, as improvements in production and distribution methods, combined with higher prices for petroleum-based fuels, make such alternatives increasingly attractive.

More information can be obtained from the VCS Almanac or at the Cape & Islands Self Reliance Corp website, reliance.org. You can also see a video of the Biodiesel Forum on MVTV; Check their website for time listings.

Biodiesel for Home Heating

By Marnie Stanton
Vineyard Conservation Society

Within a week Ralph Packer, from R.M. Packer Co., Inc. will have his new two compartment truck on island for use with his biodiesel customers. The truck is another found piece in the puzzle for easy distribution of biodiesel to the island. In addition to using B20 biodiesel (20% biodiesel to 80% diesel fuel) in vehicles, accessible at two gas stations down island, it is now in the process of being made available for home heating oil use. Richard Lawrence from Cape and Islands Self-Reliance Corp, an expert on biodiesel and the guide to its use has suggested B20 as the best combination for the winter months in the home heating oil business. In the summer B100 a more temperature sensitive mix will be available for all newer vehicles which will insure a non-polluting ride. As one of the VCS Initiatives look for the upcoming Biodiesel Forum this fall. Stay tuned for more.

Portland boats switch to Biodiesel

Published: July 14, 2005
Courier Publications

Old Port Marine, a deep-sea fishing and whale watch excursion business owned and operated by Capt. Dan Yates and Capt. Mike Gorham, has started fueling up its boats, Odyssey and Indian II with Biodiesel.

Read the rest of the article at courierpub.com

Vineyard Unplugged:
Biodiesel tanks fuel the interest of local industries

By Martha Shaw
June 23, 2005
Martha's Vineyard Times

Though the United States falls far behind Europe in biodiesel production and consumption, the country’s appetite for this engine-friendly, vegetable-based, non-toxic fuel is growing rapidly. The Cape and islands are no exception. The green B-20 (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent petroleum diesel) tanks that appeared in March at the Shell Station in Tisbury and deBettencourt’s in Oak Bluffs have peaked the interest of those who drive diesel vehicles, and even those who don’t.

See mvtimes.com website for the rest of the article.

Start-up drills for oil in algae

By Martin LaMonica
May 20, 2005
News.com

Where most people see pond scum, Isaac Berzin sees oil--and a hedge against global warming. Berzin is the founder and chief technology officer of GreenFuel Technologies, a Cambridge, Mass.-based start-up that has a novel approach to energy and pollution control. Using technology licensed from a NASA project, GreenFuel builds bioreactors--in the shape of 3-meter-high glass tubes fashioned as a triangle--to grow algae. The algae are fed with sunlight, water and carbon-carrying emissions from power plants. The algae are then harvested and turned into biodiesel fuel.

Read more at the news.com website.

Bush Promotes Biodiesel Fuel as an Alternative

The president tours a refinery in Virginia and presses the Senate to pass his energy bill.

By Edwin Chen
May 17, 2005
The LA Times

President Bush praised biodiesel Monday as "one of our nation's most promising alternative fuel sources" as he stepped up pressure on the Senate to pass his energy bill, which he said would reverse America's dependence on foreign oil.

Read the rest of the article in the latimes.com website.

Alone in pumping out pure biodiesel
Brattleboro station offers New England's first all-soy fuel

By Daniel Barlow
May 16, 2005
The Rutland Herald

When Rick Fleming first heard about biodiesel at a trade show in Boston several years ago, he thought the new energy source was intriguing, but nearly impossible to sell. Since then, his company has been the first to bring biodiesel blends to fuel pumps in Vermont and New Hampshire and, as of last month, the first in New England to offer a pure version of the solution at a gas station.

Read the rest of the article at the rutlandherald.com website.

Growth in biomass could put U.S. on road to energy independence

Media Contact: Ron Walli
April 21, 2005
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Relief from soaring prices at the gas pump could come in the form of corncobs, cornstalks, switchgrass and other types of biomass, according to a joint feasibility study for the departments of Agriculture and Energy. The recently completed Oak Ridge National Laboratory report outlines a national strategy in which 1 billion dry tons of biomass – any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis – would displace 30 percent of the nation's petroleum consumption for transportation. Supplying more than 3 percent of the nation's energy, biomass already has surpassed hydropower as the largest domestic source of renewable energy, and researchers believe much potential remains.

Read the rest of the article at the ornl.gov website.

Biodiesel fuel goes on sale here

March 24, 2005
By Ezra Blair
Martha's Vineyard Times

The Vineyard Conservation Society (VCS) and R. M. Packer Company have combined to introduce biodiesel fuel to operators of diesel powered vehicles and heavy equipment. The 20 percent blended fuel is on sale at the Tisbury Shell Station on Beach Road and at DeBettencourt’s in Oak Bluffs. The Vineyard is only the second community in Massachusetts to retail the environmentally friendly diesel substitute, according to Ralph M. Packer Jr.

See mvtimes.com for the rest of the article.

Diesel Owners Alert! Retail biodiesel now available at Tisbury Shell

Diesel engine owners take note: a 20% blended biodiesel fuel is now for retail sale at the big green painted rectangular above-ground tank next to the Tisbury Shell Station on Beach Road!

The Vineyard Conservation Society has been working with the R.M. Packer Company to bring biodiesel to the Island as part of its mission to promote sustainable energy use, protect the environment, and enhance Vineyard “quality of life.” The price at the pump is under $3.00 per gallon.

Biodiesel is a “biomass-based” fuel.  It is made from vegetable oil from domestically produced oil crops like soy or canola. It is legal for commerce in the US, both in vehicles and boats, and is registered with the E.P.A. as both a fuel and an additive. It can be used straight or mixed with petroleum diesel (in winter) to maintain viscosity.

Biodiesel burns very cleanly, and also improves the efficiency of combustion when blended with petrol-based diesel. This means reduced air and water pollution from vehicles and boats operated on blends.

Biodiesel does not contain sulfur, aromatic hydrocarbons, metals or crude oil residues. The absence of sulfur means a reduction in the formation of acid rain by sulfate emissions, which generate sulfuric acid in the atmosphere. The lack of toxic and carcinogenic volatile aromatics (benzene, toluene and xylene) means the fuel mixture combustion gases have reduced impact on human health and the environment.

Biodiesel helps supplement dwindling fossil fuel reserves, and reduces atmospheric accumulation of CO2.  Because it is made from renewable agricultural crops that assimilate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, biodiesel is called “carbon neutral” – next year’s oil crops growing in fields capture the carbon dioxide released from burning vegetable oil this year. Also, the energy it takes to create and transport biodiesel is much less than for other bio-fuels like ethanol made from corn.

On Martha’s Vineyard, biodiesel must be blended with petrol diesel in cold temperatures, but for at least half the year, Vineyard diesel vehicles can run on straight biodiesel without any engine modifications.  R.M. Packer currently offers 100% biodiesel for those who can bring their own fuel containers down to the facility.

News from Josh Tickell's Biodiesel America!

One of the biggest recent stories was when Willie Nelson announced that he is rolling out a biodiesel product he calls BioWillie. Believe it or not, BioWillie is being test marketed at truck stops in Texas. Truckers can now fill up on BioWillie and Waltz Across Texas in their big rigs knowing they are burning American-grown fuel. For more info on the BioWillie story, see our front page at http://www.biodieselamerica.org/ or Willie Nelson's new site: http://wnbiodiesel.com If anyone is interested in the specifics of making Biodiesel see From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank, www.biodieselamerica.org/products

Josh Tickell
Biodiesel America!
Tickell@BiodieselAmerica.org

Edgartown Wastewater Treatment Facility to use Biodiesel!

By Marnie Stanton, Vineyard Conservation Almanac

With the negotiations complete Ralph Packer, of RM Packer Oil Co. Inc., distributed the first order of biodiesel fuel to the Edgartown Wastewater Treatment Facility. Joe Alosso the facilities manager witnessed the topping off of B100 or 100% biodiesel fuel into the tank of the plants diesel run back-up generator. “This is the first of six different sites where biodiesel will be used, Joe told us. The other generators are located on Chase road, the Edgartown School, Edgartown Police Station, Durham road, and the Edgartown Town Hall parking lot.”  

“For now we are only ordering a few hundred of gallons of biodiesel at a time from the World Energy Corp in Boston we will share delivers with the only other distributor of biodiesel on the Cape, Loud Fuel station in Falmouth.” Ralph said. “But as demand increases and we are pretty certain it will, we’ll order directly from Boston. We have gotten lots of enthusiastic calls from people on island.” He assured us. 

In addition, Ralph enthusiastically reported, as of Tuesday May 11 the Federal Government has mandated new diesel fuel emission regulations. By 2012 diesel refineries will have to fully comply by reducing sulfur emissions by 90%. The regulations are expected to really reduce the pollution impact of the biggest offenders, off road construction vehicles such as bulldozers, tractors, locomotives, and barges. According to the report, he added, these non road vehicles which use diesel fuel spew more soot into the atmosphere in this country than all the cars, trucks, and buses combined. With these new regulations plus the added use of biodiesel it is speculated by health officials that 12,000 premature deaths and 15,000 heart attacks can be avoided every year. Not to mention how the environment will benefit from so much less sulfur in the air.

With the arrival of B100 or pure soy based biodiesel to the Vineyard the island becomes one of only a few places in New England where it can be purchased.  For now B100 which is stored in a Packer Tanker truck will be sold in bulk, but shortly a less concentrated B20 or 20% biodiesel will be available for individual diesel customers at two sites, de’Bettencourt’s Shell station in Oak Bluffs and the Tisbury Shell station in Vineyard Haven. Look for the green pumps to be installed by early June.

Earth Day Brings Biodiesel to Vineyard

Article by Marnie Stanton

Biodiesel, a cleaner burning alternative to diesel fuel that is made from
domestically produced vegetable oil, will soon be available on Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod.

Two local oil companies, Packer Oil and Loud Fuel, will
have the fuel available for bulk deliveries and will have pumps on-site for
individual vehicle fueling starting on Earth Day, April 22, 2004. "Ribbon
Cutting" Ceremonies are planned for 2-4 pm at Packer Oil, Beach Road, Vineyard
Haven, and 9-11 am at Loud Fuel, 552 Thomas Landers Road, Falmouth.

Vineyard Conservation Society gets biodiesel rolling, but where’s the fuel?
Article by Marnie Stanton,
Vineyard Conservation Almanac

Coming soon to pumps on Martha’s Vineyard: a renewable, soy-based fuel called biodiesel!

"Both above-ground tank and pump units will be painted bright green, so there will be no mistake as to what they are," Ralph Packer said with pride. RM Packer Company’s environmentally friendly pumps for Biodiesel fuel will be in place on the Vineyard in time for the arrival of spring and Earth Day ‘04 in April.

The Vineyard Conservation Society has been working to bring biodiesel to the Island as part of its mission to promote sustainable energy use, protect the environment, and enhance Vineyard "quality of life." A green VW rabbit diesel pickup truck driven by VCS director Brendan O’Neill will be VCS’s rolling educational vehicle for people to learn about the benefits of biodiesel.

" Biodiesel is perfect for the Island, where we have concerns about keeping hydrocarbon pollutants out of our ponds and drinking water supply," said Mr. O’Neill. "It runs in any diesel engine. We’d like to see every school bus, municipal vehicle, shuttle bus, dump truck, farm tractor and diesel passenger vehicle on Martha’s Vineyard using this non-toxic fuel."

Biodiesel is produced from soy bean oil, and can be used straight ("B-100") or mixed 20% with petroleum diesel ("B-20"). Because it does not contain sulfur, hydrocarbons and carcinogenic volatiles like benzene, biodiesel is easy on the environment and on human health. It also conserves our fossil fuel reserves.

The pure Biodiesel fuel will be picked up from World Energy Corp, in Boston, and brought over by a RM Packer tanker truck in 2,500 gallon increments. Two state of the art, steel and reinforced concrete tank and pump units will be placed at the two Island Shell stations, one in Tisbury and the other at DeBettencourt’s in Oak Bluffs. The 100% B-100 biodiesel will be blended on-Island to make the B-20 fuel. Consumers will be able to purchase B-20 at the pumps, and B100, the 100% biodiesel, will be available for delivery. The cost should not exceed 50% of the diesel price, and if demand is there, the price will decrease. So, we encourage everyone to "go biodiesel!"

"The island has been very receptive to this idea of Biodiesel fuel, and very helpful in getting the permits passed to proceed with the project, "Ralph said. "There is a lot of enthusiasm here, and we are willing to try it and see."

For more information, contact Vineyard Conservation Society at 508 693 9588, vcsinc@vineyard.net or RM Packer Co. Inc. 508-693-0900, rmpacker@vineyard.net

Cape & Island Self-Reliance Biodiesel Update

Feb.20, 2004

Richard Lawrence reports some good news from the Cape and his Self-Reliance Corporation. His latest Biodiesel update is that Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School is producing its own biodiesel fuel! Under the guidance of Kevin Duquet, the Environmental Technology instructor, the students are taking the school’s kitchen waste vegetable oil and refining it into Biodiesel fuel. Every gallon they make and use saves the school money normally used to dispose of the waste oil and buy diesel fuel. There’s lots of excitement about the project and the local papers are covering the story. The school telephone is 508-759-7711 and Kevin Duquet’s extension is 234, if anyone wants to talk with him. In addition Richard reported that Otis Air National Guard Base is now using a 20% blend of Biodiesel fuel for all their diesel vehicles. And on February 20th Harvard University opened up a biodiesel pump on campus for all of their diesel vehicles as well. www.greencampusharvard.edu

Richard Lawrence also mentioned that his Cape and Islands Self-Reliance company runs a discount Home Heating Oil, and Gasoline Co-op for its membership, and is working with the Loud Fuel Co, one of the largest fuel distributors on the Cape. He is hopeful that it will be easy for them to integrate biodiesel fuel into their inventory soon because of the shear size of their volume and distribution. Anyone interested in purchasing biodiesel should contact them at 508- 457-6595.

When asked to describe the difference between 100% blend and the 20% mix of Biodiesels, he mentioned that the 20% blend is less likely to freeze or cause problems with materials compatibility, is cost competitive for large consumers who want to reduce their pollution emissions and use of fossil fuels, and is guaranteed to work year round in any diesel engine. Pure Biodiesel, while biodegradable, non-toxic, and significantly cleaner burning, is subject to coagulation when freezing winter temperatures set in, is more expensive, and users need to be aware of potential materials compatibility issues. It can affect older vehicles and some off-road engines and its ability to rapidly clean out crude that may have accumulated in the fuel system. Biodiesel works just like diesel fuel and can be used in any diesel engine or home heating oil furnace in any blend from 1-100%. One tank can be pure petroleum diesel, and the next can be pure biodiesel or any percentage thereof. The greatest percentage of biodiesel used, the greater the reduction of pollution and reliance on foreign oil, the better the exhaust smells, and the smoother the engine will run. Richard suggested the best site for Biodiesel information is www.biodiesel.org Richard Lawrence is the Educational Coordinator for Cape & Islands Self-Reliance: he can be reached at 508-457-7679 or richardl@reliance.org.

Update written by Marnie Stanton,
Vineyard Conservation Almanac

Biodiesel facts

Biodiesel is much cleaner than fossil-fuel diesel ("dinodiesel"). It can be used in any diesel engine with no need for modifications -- in fact diesel engines run better and last longer with biodiesel. And it can easily be made from a common waste product -- used cooking oil.

• Biodiesel fuel burns up to 75% cleaner than conventional diesel fuel made from fossil fuels
• Biodiesel substantially reduces unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter in exhaust fumes
• Sulphur dioxide emissions are eliminated (biodiesel contains no sulphur)
• Biodiesel is plant-based and adds no CO2 to the atmosphere
• The ozone-forming potential of biodiesel emissions is nearly 50% less than conventional diesel fuel
• Nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions may increase or decrease but can be reduced to well below conventional diesel fuel levels by adjusting engine timing
• Biodiesel exhaust is not offensive and doesn't cause eye irritation (it smells like French fries!)
• Biodiesel is environmentally friendly: it is renewable, "more biodegradable than sugar and less toxic than table salt" (US National Biodiesel Board)
• Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine
• Fuel economy is the same as conventional diesel fuel
• Biodiesel is a much better lubricant than conventional diesel fuel and extends engine life -- a German truck won an entry in the Guinness Book of Records by travelling more than 1.25 million km (780,000 miles) on biodiesel with its original engine
• Biodiesel has a high cetane rating, which improves engine performance: 20% biodiesel added to conventional diesel fuel improves the cetane rating 3 points, making it a Premium fuel
• Biodiesel can be mixed with ordinary diesel fuel in any proportion -- even a small amount of biodiesel means cleaner emissions and better engine lubrication: 1% biodiesel will increase lubricity by 65%
• Biodiesel can be produced from any fat or vegetable oil, including waste cooking oil.
See the National Biodiesel Board's complete evaluation of biodiesel emissions and potential health effects, in accordance with the most stringent emissions testing protocols ever required by the US EPA (Acrobat file, 213 kb):http://www.biodiesel.org/news/bulletin/1998/0498.pdf

Summary:

• The overall ozone (smog) forming potential of biodiesel is almost 50% less than diesel fuel.
• Sulfur emissions are eliminated.
• Substantial reductions of unburned hydrocarbons (-93%), carbon monoxide (-50%), and particulate matter (-30%).
• Biodiesel NOx emissions can be efficiently eliminated as a concern.
• Substantial reductions of cancer-causing PAH (-80%) and nitrited PAH compounds (-90%).

Clean Diesel's New Biodiesel Blend Reduces Particulates and NOx; Combination Can Reduce Petroleum Imports and Diesel Emissions
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2004--Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. (CDT) (EBB:CDTI)(AIM:CDT) (AIM:CDTS) announced today that results of testing of its new Cleaner Burning Biodiesel-fuel blend produced emissions reductions of 23 percent particulates and 5 percent NOx versus normal on-highway diesel fuel. Testing was conducted at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) on a 1991 certified Cummins 8.3 liter medium-duty engine typical of school buses and delivery fleets.
The Cleaner Burning Biodiesel formulation is a blend of No. 1D and 20 percent biodiesel, along with CDT's patented Platinum Plus(R) fuel-borne catalyst (FBC). Biodiesel is an oxygenated fuel derived from renewable biological sources, such as soybeans. The No. 1D is commercial pipeline-grade kerosene widely used by municipalities. The addition of 20 percent biodiesel not only displaces 20 percent petroleum with a renewable energy source, but in conjunction with the Platinum Plus FBC, provides reductions in all regulated pollutants. "This blend actually beat a commercial ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) in reducing particulate matter (PM), NOx and CO, and was close to the performance of ULSD in reducing hydrocarbon emissions," according to James Valentine, president and COO of CDT.
In addition, the biodiesel enhances the lubricity of the No. 1D, and the No. 1D helps improve the cold-weather performance of the biodiesel. The FBC catalyzes combustion of the fuel in the engine leading to the high overall emission reductions.
Commenting from the National Biodiesel Conference in Palm Springs, Calif., Mr. Steve Howell, technical director of the National Biodiesel Board had the following comments: "This additive/fuel combination has been tested by a highly respected laboratory, and the results are very encouraging. In most biodiesel testing done so far, NOx is the only emission that biodiesel doesn't reduce. This is a positive development for the industry as we search for ways to reduce NOx emissions in addition to the many other benefits of biodiesel."
Earlier testing by CDT at SwRI had shown the ability of the Platinum Plus FBC and No. 1D to produce dramatic PM and NOx reductions, and these reductions were maintained or even improved by the addition of biodiesel to the fuel blend. Some reports have shown modest increases in NOx from the addition of biodiesel. In this new blend, with the FBC, No. 1D and 20 percent biodiesel, NOx is reduced below the baseline levels measured on normal No. 2D fuel.
"This broadens the range of applications for the FBC, making it a platform for clean-fuel solutions and an improvement to the performance of a wide range of after treatment devices," said Valentine. "Combined with a diesel-oxidation catalyst, Platinum Plus has already been verified by the EPA under the rigorous Environmental Technology Verification Program for up to 40-50 percent PM reduction. This performance should be improved even further with this new fuel blend."
Tested at SwRI in conjunction with a new catalyzed wire-mesh filter system (CWMF), the biodiesel blend reduced PM, HC and CO by over 75 percent with NOx reduced by 5 percent. Particulate emissions were actually half the emissions of a new 2004 engine. The FBC not only reduces soot but helps the CWMF self-clean by oxidizing soot even at low exhaust temperatures.
"We are extremely pleased with these results," said Valentine. "The growing interest from municipalities, power generators and fleets in biodiesel blends should provide a market for this new patent-pending fuel formulation. CDT envisions that the FBC will be added directly at the rack by fuel marketers, blending No. 1D and biodiesel with the FBC. All of these components are EPA registered and commercially available so fuel marketers and end users can obtain the benefits immediately."
About Clean Diesel Technologies Inc.
Clean Diesel Technologies is a specialty chemical company with patented products that reduce emissions from diesel engines while simultaneously improving fuel economy and power. Products include Platinum Plus(R) fuel catalysts, the Platinum Plus Purifier System, and the ARIS(R) 2000 urea injection systems for selective catalytic reduction of NOx. Platinum Plus and ARIS are registered trademarks of Clean Diesel Technologies. For more information, visit CDT at www.cdti.com or contact the Company directly.
Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

“Waste is a resource out of place.”
–Spencer Harlick, professor at Colorado University in Boulder

South Mountain Fuels Fleet with Biodiesel
“The only hassle is shipping it and getting it here,” explains Peter D’Angelo of South Mountain about the company’s use of biodiesel in their company truck and forklift. Biodiesel is a completely natural, renewable fuel that can be used effectively in most any situation where conventional petroleum diesel is used. Even though "diesel" is part of its name, there are no petroleum or other fossil fuels in biodiesel.

In some places, such as at the Gulf Station in Woods Hole, 20% biodiesel fuel is commercially available, but South Mountain is using 100% bio-pure biodiesel, meaning that it’s entirely vegetable oil-based without any regular diesel oil mixed in. Most biodiesel available today is a soy-based product that’s taking advantage of the current soybean surplus in the USA which has resulted from the massive animal feed industry. Other sources of vegetable oil include leftover fryolater oil from restaurants cooking fried food.

South Mountain purchases the fuel from a company called World Energy in Chelsea, Mass, in 55 gallon drums that they store right on the South Mountain property off State Road in West Tisbury. There are few hurdles to jump over when purchasing, transporting or storing biodiesel because the product is completely non-toxic, non-flammable and has no associated health hazards.
“You could take a full barrel and knock it over or dump it in the harbor and it would be fine. It’s not a hazardous material and it’s fully biodegradable,” assures Pete. According to the World Energy website (www.worldenergy.net), biodiesel has been subject to millions in university, government and manufacturer testing, making it one of the most thoroughly tested forms of energy on the planet. It is completely non-toxic to plants, animals and humans and does not contaminate soil, groundwater or waterways if spilled.
Peter first heard about biodiesel on NPR about two years ago and thought that it made total sense with South Mountain’s environmentally-friendly policy. Under his lead, South Mountain started using biodiesel about a year ago. According to Pete, they are very pleased with the fuel and have had “no problems whatsoever.”

The biodiesel is poured directly into the gas tank without changing a thing in the vehicle. According to World Energy, biodiesel has demonstrated the same fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, range and payload capacity as conventional diesel fuel. It also has significant cleaning properties and may release deposits accumulated in fuel lines and tanks, so they recommend changing the fuel filter after the first tank to prevent clogging.

One drawback is that biodiesel, being vegetable oil-based, gels or clouds up in cold weather. During the winter months, South Mountain returned to using regular diesel, but is still able to use biodiesel about three quarters of the year. Solutions for winter operability with biodiesel include blending with regular diesel or additives, using fuel heaters and/or storing the vehicle and fuel in a building.

Another drawback is the cost, but this is only an issue when not purchasing in bulk. Because South Mountain buys such small quantities, “what should be cheap is not,” laments Pete. Normally biodiesel sells for about $1.75 per gallon, but South Mountain is paying $1 more per gallon, plus an additional $90 each time the fuel is delivered. The price would lower dramatically if there was a proper biodiesel storage facility on the Island that would allow for bulk biodiesel shipments.
Yet despite the cost, South Mountain feels the benefits are worth it.

“When you’re working in a sensitive area like a wetland or natural area, if you’re driving a bobcat that runs on biodiesel you feel you can carry about and not worry about spilling oil. And the operator of the machinery is not being exposed to toxic carcinogens,” emphasizes Pete.

The potential health benefits of using biodiesel in place of regular petroleum diesel range far and wide. “There are plenty of studies out there now that show increased incidence of cancer and leukemia is children who ride on diesel school buses,” comments Peter. “This could be eliminated if the buses ran on biodiesel.” Another application for local use of biodiesel is in home heating oil. Biodiesel actually burns cleaner than petroleum heating oil, eliminating the need for annual oil burner maintenance, not to mention toxic fumes and emissions.

Peter sums up the situation and the future: “All we need to make biodiesel work on the Vineyard is to find a place to store it and a way to get it here. We need a small enough tanker to get things rolling.”

For more information about biodiesel, visit www.worldenergy.net, www.biodiesel.org, www.biodiesel.com, and read From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank, by Joshua Tickell.

Energy Workshop Presages Island Plan
An energy workshop at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury on Saturday, April 5, drew nearly 200 Islanders to consider the possibilities of sustainable energy on Martha’s Vineyard and to help establish an Island energy plan. http://www.mvtimes.com/news/news13.htm

Saving Energy & Money with the

Car or Truck

Use alternative transportation: Use a car only when necessary.  Don't drive an SUV or other gas guzzlers.  Carpool.  Ride a bicycle or walk. Use the public Vineyard Transit Authority buses.

Maintain your vehicle: Inflate tires properly and save gas mileage with radial tires. Keep wheels aligned.  Keep engine filters clean.  Change oil every 3,000 miles and recycle your oil (ask at service stations/auto parts stores or bring to hazardous waste days recycling near airport).  Ask your service station to use CFC recovery equipment when working on your auto air conditioner.

Washing your car: Minimize hosing down your driveway and cut down on car washing; shut off the hose when sudsing.

Drive to save energy: Plan ahead and avoid idling.  Know where you are going ahead of time and avoid wasting time and fuel driving around lost.  Consolidate errands and shopping trips.

Find out about alternatives: If you have a diesel, consider switching over to a bio-diesel.  Start learning more at www.greasecar.com or www.veggievan.com.  Consider buying a hybrid vehicle.

Car & Alternative Transportation Links

Vineyard Transit Authority offers local bus service.
www.vineyardtransit.com

The Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks by John Decicco is from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, which ranks cars on an environmental index. Find it at http://www.powells.com/

The Tailpipe Tally compares the tailpipe emissions of your current car against any cars you may consider buying. See Environmental Defense at www.environmentaldefense.org/tailpipetally/

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