Dec. 7, 2011
DISTRICT BUS FLEET TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT WITH BIODIESEL
Board Directs that Biodiesel or Other Fuel Fleet Solutions by July 2015
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Unified School District Trustees voted to use
biodiesel or an alternative fuel to be used in the tanks of school buses
and the diesel fleet by the end of the 2014-15 school year at their Dec. 6
meeting. The resolution was introduced by Trustee Kevin Beiser.
Mandating that the fleet of more than 500 buses "come clean" will help
reduce pollution in the San Diego region, helping the kids that ride the
bus possibly avoid diseases such as asthma and cancer. According to the
Board resolution on the topic, biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that
complies with the federal Clean Air Act.
"It's our duty as trustees of the next generation to do everything we can
to make their environment safe," said Kevin Beiser, Board of Education
member. "This step will not only make the environment better, we will be
doing our part toward energy independence by using a renewable resource."
San Diego Unified has already taken an interim step. In 2009, the district
finished modifications to its fleet to create "clean diesel" buses,
installing equipment that reduced particulates. Federal stimulus funds and
help from the US Environmental Protection Agency, California Environmental
Protection Agency and the local Air Pollution Control District made that
conversion possible. Students from district automotive technology programs
also helped with the conversion.
"As this equipment ages, we have to look at alternatives," said Beiser.
"This resolution gives the Superintendent clear direction that this Board
is dedicated to reducing pollution."
Biodiesel mixes standard diesel fuel with fuel distilled from renewable
resources such as soybeans or waste vegetable oil. The alternative fuel
conversion can produce lower emissions including reductions in carbon
monoxide, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The use of biodiesel will not void
any warranties that the district has on current vehicles, and create local
jobs supporting the local bio-diesel industry in San Diego.
"Aside from the environmental and health benefits, the use of biodiesel
fuel will be cost neutral, which is equally important during these
difficult economic times," said Beiser.
# # #
CONTACT:
KEVIN BEISER
San Diego Unified School Board Member
619-838-5274 cell
KevinBeiser@yahoo.com
NOTE TO REPORTERS AND EDITORS: Trustee Beiser will be available after 3:20
p.m. for interviews; call at any time and leave a message to schedule.
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