The City of Fort Collins, Colorado, started a pilot program in January to utilize B20 biodiesel in 25% of the city fleet.

Already, Fort Collins Transport buses utilizing biodiesel fuel have shown a 5% to 31% decrease in emitted smoke.

Biodiesel offers similar fuel economy, horsepower and torque to petroleum diesel and is easier on the engine. The most notable benefit is that it significantly reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons and sulfates.

—Operations Services Director Ken Mannon

In 2004, the City used 437,588 gallons of diesel fuel. For the 2005 pilot program, the City will use biodiesel fuel in 25% of its fleet, equaling 109,397 gallons.

Additional tests will be performed throughout the year to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of biodiesel fuel, and if results are positive, the City will switch its entire fleet to B20 biodiesel in 2006.