Port of Vancouver Shifts to a B20 Biodiesel Blend

18 May 2006

Port of Vancouver biodiesel pumphouse and B20-fueled backhoe.

The Port of Vancouver, USA (Washington) is shifting to a B20 biodiesel blend for use in its own vehicles and heavy equipment.

In April, Washington legislators passed a law that requires all state agencies to use a minimum of 20% biodiesel for state fleet vehicles by 2009. The Port of Vancouver, USA is the first public port in the state to implement a program for compliance.

One of the key tenets of our mission is to be a leader in environmental stewardship. In addition to reducing emissions in our work environment, this change will help support a new market for Washington agricultural products and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.

—Larry Paulson, Port of Vancouver USA Executive Director

The port has purchased two flex-fuel trucks. All future vehicles and equipment will run on some form of alternative fuel, whether that is biodiesel or E-85 ethanol.

Biodiesel has become even more attractive to the Port of Vancouver USA given the fact that the price of a gallon is now competitive with regular diesel.

With the recent rise in oil prices, using biodiesel makes economic as well as environmental sense.

—Curtis Shuck, Director of Facilities