Latest Diesel Vehicles Kick Off Biodiesel Ride-and-Drive in Orlando
Mayor supports proposal to green the local government with biodiesel

ORLANDO, Fla.– Floridians gathered today at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center to be the first to test-drive biodiesel-powered vehicles from several manufacturers during the 2008 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo.

Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty and country music star Michael Peterson helped kick off the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony and ceremonial first test-drive. During opening remarks, Mayor Crotty reiterated the county’s initiative to reduce petroleum fuel consumption by 20 percent within the next two years. Additionally, Mayor Crotty is supporting a proposal in which the county will fuel all of its bus fleet and county vehicles with B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel/80 percent diesel. This will make Orange County a Florida Green Local Government.

“Orange County is here to help grow the biodiesel industry,” Mayor Crotty said. “In 2005, I announced that we would reduce our petroleum usage by 20% in five years. The use of biodiesel is an important factor in helping us reach this goal.”

Biodiesel is the clean burning alternative to diesel fuel that can be domestically produced from renewable resources. Biodiesel blends such as B20 can be used in any diesel equipment without modification.

“I was captivated a few years ago by the way innovators in agriculture were changing the way we look at fueling our nation,” said Peterson. “Thanks to their great vision and tenacity, there is a legitimate opportunity before us to deliver energy independence, strengthen our economy, and inspire young people to consider a career in agriculture and science.”

Today’s diesel vehicles are extremely fuel efficient and cleaner than ever before. These vehicles typically get 20 to 40 percent more miles to the gallon then comparable vehicles. Availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel also allows manufacturers to engineer the cleanest diesel vehicles ever.

“When diesel vehicles run on clean, renewable biodiesel, the environmental benefits are even greater,” said Ed Hegland, Chairman of the National Biodiesel Board. “At the same time we are reducing our dependence on petroleum and supporting America's farm economy."

Vehicles on hand for local residents to test-drive included:

• 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel pick up truck running on B20
• 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee running on B5
• TOMCAR ATV (on display)
• 2009 VW Jetta TDI running on B5

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