City switches to clean fuel

The Harrisonburg City Council approved the use of bio-diesel fuel for city vehicles during its meeting Tuesday.

Christie Brodrick, assistant professor of integrated science and technology, explained that bio-diesel endeavors were adopted this year, but that the fuel has been used on the JMU campus for the past five or six years.

"Bio-diesel is the only fuel that doesn’t have a burden in capital investment, new infrastructure requirements or operation costs," Brodrick said.

Adding that bio-diesel comes from vegetable oil waste or animal fats, Brodrick said the city would use soybean oil.

"Domestically produced bio-diesel strengthens the economy," Brodrick said. She explained that it reduces dependency on foreign oil, increases vehicle performance, improves health and supports agriculture.

"It is by far the simplest alternative fuel available," Brodrick said. "It can be used in the same diesel engines or with little modifications."

Bio-diesel has a shorter shelf-life and has less energy density and must be monitored for gelling. However, Smith said that it doesn’t get cold enough locally to worry about the fuel not working.

Harrisonburg Mayor Larry Rogers said that there would be a summit at JMU Nov. 15 and 16 to educate the community about bio-diesel.

"We have the opportunity to improve the health of the community because diesel causes cancer," Rogers said. "This will also help us maintain a strong agriculture community. I support it."

Council member Charles Chenault said, "I’m also supportive of it. The slight added cost seems to be greatly outweighed by the health advantages."

All city vehicles will run on bio-diesel fuel by 2006, said Reggie Smith, director of Harrisonburg transportation.