Purdue News
Purdue News
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March 23, 2004 Purdue switches to soy biodiesel to fuel university fleetWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - If it belongs to Purdue University and it runs on diesel fuel, chances are it's now powered by a force friendlier to the environment and farmers. During a news conference today (Tuesday, 3/23) sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Board, Purdue officials announced that the university is using soy biodiesel to fuel the diesel-engined vehicles in its transportation fleet. Most of the Purdue Agricultural Centers and farms around the state also pump soy biodiesel into tractors, trucks and other vehicles. Among the university's diesel fleet are buses, ambulances, semi trucks and the university's mascot, the Boilermaker Special. The Purdue transportation center uses a soy biodiesel blend that contains 2 percent biodiesel derived from soybeans. "We have about 80 vehicles running on the soy biodiesel blend, and we've experienced no problems," said Mike Funk, transportation services director. The university started using biodiesel in late November. No modifications were made to any of the vehicles for the switch to the more environmentally friendly fuel. The transportation center annually uses 85,000-90,000 gallons of diesel fuel, Funk said. The Purdue ag centers utilize various soy biodiesel blends, promoting biodiesel use and benefits around the state, according to Jerry Fankhauser, director of the Purdue ag centers. "We've been using biodiesel for nearly a year in about 50 pieces of farm equipment, and we're very pleased with the performance," he said. "Now is a great time to evaluate and promote the use of 'home grown' bio fuels like soy biodiesel." Victor Lechtenberg, dean of Purdue's School of Agriculture, said government studies show that biodiesel production is good for the U.S. economy. "By making fuel from soybeans, we are creating jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and boosting farm incomes," he said. Mike Yoder, a soybean producer in Elkhart County, said biodiesel is an ideal alternative fuel. "Around the state, farmers are doing high-fives thanks to Purdue's efforts," he said. Indiana has 28,000 soybean farmers and is the fourth largest soybean producing state in the country. The Indiana Soybean Board conducts soybean promotion and product development, funds research and provides consumer, producer and industry information on soybeans. Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu Sources: Mike Funk, (765) 494-2114 Jerry Fankhauser, (765) 494-8360 Victor Lechtenberg, (765) 494-8391 Mike Yoder, (574) 825-3667 Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu
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