The next time you pass a Green Mountain Power line truck on the highway, you may notice a slight smell of French fries.

That's because Green Mountain Power's fleet of line trucks will begin using biodiesel fuel, an alternative fuel made from animal fat and vegetable oil, primarily soybean, as a result of a new fuel arrangement with Champlain Oil Co.
"We're thrilled to be the first company to introduce and supply bulk quantities of biodiesel for commercial use in Chittenden County, Va.,' said Tony Cairns, president of Champlain Oil Company.
Green Mountain recently introduced the clean-burning, organically-produced fuel to its more than 20 diesel engine trucks in the Chittenden and Addison County areas. Additionally, the next fuel delivery to its Washington County tank will be of biodiesel. "We're really excited that we can reduce emissions from our vehicles by using this fast-growing technology," said Mary Powell, chief operating officer of Green Mountain Power. "Biodiesel helps us to improve our environmental footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter. The use of biodiesel is important for climate protection as well as local air quality."
Green Mountain Power will use B20 biodiesel, a 20% blend of biomaterial and 80% conventional diesel. B20 biodiesel is the industry standard because it offers significant emission reductions at an affordable price and works with existing diesel engines. Using this fuel blend, Green Mountain Power will make an immediate transition into cleaner-burning fuel.
Biodiesel is rapidly becoming recognized as an important alternative to conventional fuel. According to the Vermont Biofuels Association, an estimated 100 million gallons of biodiesel will be produced in the U.S. by the end of 2005 - an increase of more than 75 million gallons over the past two years.
Use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. In addition to its environmental benefits, it uses fuel that is produced domestically, decreasing the country's dependence on foreign oil.
"We have undertaken a variety of initiatives that help the environment, like obtaining a generation mix that includes a very low percentage of fossil fuels, pledging to reduce emissions through the Chicago Climate Exchange, and committing to publishing a sustainability report, and we are convinced that biodiesel will help make a difference," added Powell of Green Mountain Power.