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By pooling their efforts, public agencies in Tompkins County can now use biodiesel fuel to operate their vehicle fleets, achieving a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to the environment.

Members of a new interagency Alternative Fuels Consortium today formally celebrated the launch of biodiesel use within Tompkins County, voicing their strong commitment to environmental stewardship.  The Alternative Fuels Consortium is made up of all of the county’s 17 municipalities, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, as well as the county’s school districts and fire departments.

Earlier this month, the Tompkins County Legislature awarded Mirabito Energy Products of Binghamton the contract to provide biodiesel to the County and extended to other Consortium members.  Previously, fuel pricing and delivery costs prevented biodiesel from being a cost-effective local option.  Responding to the County’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050 and noting that vehicles are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the Consortium set procurement of biodiesel as a top priority.

“Consortium members are keenly aware of the environmental issues, but that has to be balanced against the present economics and budgets of each member entity,” said Consortium facilitator Cheryl Nelson, Tompkins County Public Works Administrator.  “With the bid comparable to the cost of straight diesel, biodiesel is now an attainable commodity.  The use of biodiesel in public fleets will have positive impacts on greenhouse gas emissions across Tompkins County.”  Dale Gregrow, Tompkins County Equipment Service Manager estimates that use of biodiesel in the County Highway Division’s fleet will save 114 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

City of Ithaca Equipment Manager Don Parker notes that engine manufacturers now stand behind biodiesel use and issues with “jelling” have been addressed, making the use of biodiesel a beneficial and sustainable alternative.  And Ithaca College facilities director Roger Casterline adds that, while his organization’s diesel fleet is smaller than others, the use of biodiesel will support the college’s sustainability and environmental principles.

Mirabito Energy’s “B20” fuel (a mixture of 20% biodiesel and 80% standard petroleum diesel) will initially support vehicles in the Tompkins County Highway Division, Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, the Town of Dryden and Cornell University. “B5” fuel will be distributed to Ithaca College.  “Biodiesel is a very easy way for our country to lessen its dependence on foreign oil-producing countries and at the same time offer a more environmentally-friendly fuel for consumers to use,” Mirabito Energy Products Chief Executive Officer Joseph P. Mirabito notes.  “We are pleased to be able to support this initiative in Tompkins County.”

Kathy Luz Herrera, Vice Chair of the County Legislature’s Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, conveyed the Legislature’s appreciation to Consortium members:  “Your efforts enable us all to work together to do what’s best for the environment, an accomplishment that cannot be overstated!”

“This consortium is an outstanding example of municipal and public sector organizations coming together and using their collective purchasing power to reach a goal that is in the best interest of all of Tompkins County, said facilitator Nelson.  “I am very impressed with and honored to be working with this consortium.”

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