News Release - December 3, 2007:
JeT: We’re Rolling (on Biodiesel) for you

Jefferson Transit begins using alternative fuels

Today, Parish President Aaron Broussard, Director of Citizens Affairs Terry McCarthy, and Transit Coordinator Ryan Brown along with Veolia Transportation, JeT General Manager Derrick Breun, and the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuels Partnership held a press conference on the Jefferson Transit system using biodiesel fuel for their buses.

Beginning in mid-December Jefferson Transit will be switching fuels from a petroleum-based diesel to a biodiesel blended fuel and will be completed by early January. The switch will begin with system wide use of a B2 biodiesel blend and a future upgrade of B5 biodiesel blend is planned.

Biodiesel is a diesel fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats that can be an added to or entirely replace conventional petroleum diesel fuel.  In the United States, the majority of biodiesel is made from soybean or canola oils. A biodiesel blend is biodiesel mixed with conventional diesel. 

The use of biodiesel has many benefits.  By using biodiesel, Jefferson Transit hopes to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create a more stable domestic economy.  The domestically produced fuel creates jobs and is a renewable resource, helping to reduce the impacts of the petroleum on the environment.  Using biodiesel also reduces harmful pollutants and green house gas emissions that contribute to climate change.  Some studies also indicate that use of biodiesel fuels may reduce wear on vehicle engines and long term maintenance costs.

For more information contact Ryan Brown with the Jefferson Parish Transit Department at 364-3450