Safeway Inc. has converted its entire California and U.S. truck fleet to cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel. The retailer said it has switched its entire fleet of more than 1,000 trucks to cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel.

The decision by Safeway will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 75 million pounds annually, the equivalent of taking nearly 7,500 passenger vehicles off the road each year, the company said.
Chairman, President and CEO Steve Burd said, "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 under way that will make a positive impact on the environment."
Safeway's biodiesel program is just part of Safeway's extensive Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiative and the company's overall effort to manage its carbon footprint, address climate change and reduce air pollution.
The company has been recognized throughout the country for its dedication to using solar power, wind power, alternative fuels and construction strategies in conjunction with employee education and consumer outreach to reduce carbon emissions in the communities Safeway serves.
The company is participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transportation Partnership, which commits Safeway to establishing a baseline fuel efficiency of its fleet and implementing a plan to decrease carbon emissions. Those efficiencies, which include purchasing trailers with large capacity, have saved more than 6.5 million gallons of diesel fuel and decreased carbon emissions by 73,000 tons annually. Safeway also is part of the EPA's Grow & Go Partners, which promotes the benefits of renewable fuels.