Is it really possible to save tax money, do something good for the environment and protect our children from harmful emissions simply by changing the fuel source of our school buses? Yes!

During the legislative interim committee meetings, hosted Aug. 7-9 by the city of Morgantown and WVU , a visit to one of the area middle schools was arranged by the Joint Standing Committee on Education. To make the visit to the school, the legislative committee was transported on a school bus running on biodiesel.

With the expertise of the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, headquartered at West Virginia University, an informative brochure was developed for the legislative committee, outlining the benefits of using biodiesel.

Over the last few years, a number of West Virginia counties have started using biodiesel as fuel for their school buses. Having met with success, other counties are becoming increasingly curious about this exciting alternative fuel. Monongalia County has been a leader in using and promoting biodiesel.

Irv Schuetzner, director of transportation for Monongalia County Schools, stated that they have been using B-20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel, in their fleet of 100 school buses for more than two years. The higher reimbursement incentive from the state of West Virginia to use an alternative fuel is what initially sparked the interest of the Monongalia County School Transportation Department.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made primarily from soybeans. It contains no sulphur, no complex hydrocarbons and does not contribute to global warming. It is nontoxic to the environment. It has been proven that the use of biodiesel greatly reduces most harmful emissions, especially soot. The use of B-20 will cause a reduction in overall emissions of more than 20 percent.

When asked his overall opinion of biodiesel, Schuetzner responded,Our first concern is to the safety and benefit of the school children. We want to make sure as few pollutants as possible are around them. Using biodiesel in the school buses greatly reduces the emissions, and it is very low in the soot particulates that harm school children. As the school superintendents learn more about biodiesel, they see that it is also a financial benefit to the counties.

Technicians at the county maintenance shop also commented that their eyes no longer sting when working on the buses as they had previously when exposed to the diesel exhaust. No problems have been encountered in the bus fuel systems as a result of using B-20. The use of B-20 in comparison to petroleum diesel achieves an average reduction of more than 20 percent of the emission soot, hydro carbons and carbon monoxide. Since biodiesel is a sulphur-free fuel, it produces no sulphur emissions.

The NAFTC is a nationwide alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology vehicle training and education outreach organization. For more information on biodiesel or other alternative fuels or advanced technology options, visit the organizations Web site (www.naftc.wvu.edu) or call 304-293-7882.

About the NAFTC

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium is a pioneer and a national leader in promoting programs and activities that will lead to energy independence and the greater use of cleaner transportation. The NAFTC is the only nationwide alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the U.S.!

Our mission is to provide the training infrastructure for implementing the widespread use of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. Our effort to increase our nations energy security, as well as improve our air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is embodied in our mottoBecause Clean Air and Energy Independence Matter.

Founded in 1992, the NAFTC is headquartered at West Virginia University and presently consists of 25 National Training Centers (NTCs) spanning the country from New York to California. Each center provides Training with Impact through its experienced instructors and real-world shop facilities. Approximately 60 Affiliate and Associate members also support the NAFTC s mission.

www.naftc.wvu.edu