Tenn. businesses switch to cleaner biodiesel in vehicles

Tenn. businesses switch to cleaner biodiesel in vehicles

February 21, 2005

CHATTANOOGA (AP) -- Chattanooga is going to cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel to help clear the city's air.

The city government fleet manager says beginning next week, Chattanooga will use biodiesel in all diesel-powered vehicles. The city will initially use a blend of 95 percent diesel and five percent alternative fuel, then go to a 20 percent biodiesel blend.

The biodiesel typically has vegetable oil or animal fats mixed with standard fuel.

The Knoxville transit system began using biodiesel in 2002 and executive director Mark Hairr says the system recorded a 75 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Pam Stafford and her husband operate a school bus service in Ooltewah and say their use of biodiesel is healthier for the students.

Earlier in February, Tennessee's transportation commissioner approved lower interstate speed limits in Hamilton County, 55 miles per hour for commercial trucks and 65 for cars, to reduce air pollution.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.