TDOT to try diodiesel in some vehicles

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — The Tennessee Department of Transporation announced Thursday it will use biodiesel fuel in some of its vehicles in East Tennessee as a test before possibly expanding its use across the state.

“This will help us determine how biodiesel performs in harsh winter conditions,” a memo from TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely says.

If the test is successful, biodiesel will be used in heavy equipment next spring in East Tennessee and then in other regions of the state.

The fuel blends traditional petroleum diesel fuel with other oils, such as vegetable oil or animal fats. Biodiesel produces fewer pollutants when burned than traditional diesel fuel.

Several businesses and local governments in Tennessee have begun using biodiesel recently. And last month plans were announced to build a plant in Lewisburg to begin producing biodiesel fuel.