Safeway Announces Biodiesel Use Throughout Fleet
Grocery store chain among biggest retailers to commit to biodiesel nationally

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– Demonstrating biodiesel’s growing role in corporate sustainability, one of the nation’s largest food and drug retailers is fueling its entire U.S. truck fleet with cleaner-burning biodiesel. Safeway, Inc. made the announcement today as part of the company’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiative. The company will use B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel, in its fleet of more than 1,000 trucks.

“Safeway is proud to lead by example to help protect the environment,” said Chairman, President and CEO Steve Burd. “Using biodiesel to power our transportation fleet will prevent millions of pounds of carbon emissions from being released into the environment. Our biodiesel program is just one of many initiatives underway that will make a positive impact on the environment.”

Biodiesel is made from renewable resources such as fats and vegetable oils. Blends of up to 20 percent can be used in any diesel engine with no need for modification.

“We commend Safeway for showing leadership in true corporate sustainability,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. “The company is also reducing its dependence on foreign oil and helping to stimulate a domestic energy economy. We encourage other large retailers to follow this example.”

Safeway has been recognized for its dedication to using solar power, alternative fuels and construction strategies in conjunction with education to reduce carbon emissions.

In 2006 Safeway joined the Chicago Climate Exchange, the world’s first voluntary, legally binding greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading program. In addition, the company is participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transportation Partnership.

The NBB is the national trade association of the biodiesel industry and is the coordinating body for biodiesel research and development in the U.S. In 2007, the industry produced an estimated 450 million gallons of biodiesel.

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