Jefferson City fleet to fuel up with Missouri-made biodiesel

Biodiesel will be utilized at Jefferson City’s Central Maintenance Facility, which supports the city’s public works, JeffTran transit division, and fire, police, and parks and recreation departments.(Photo: The Jefferson City Government)

Missouri Soybeans is powering the state capital of Jefferson City with biodiesel. With more than 140,000 combined gallons used on-road in city fleets, Jefferson City Public Works plans to utilize Missouri-made, soybean-powered biodiesel to shift to a more domestic alternative.

“Jefferson City Public Works is glad to support integrating biodiesel into our fueling stations for city vehicles and equipment,” said Matt Morasch, director of Jefferson City Public Works. “We understand utilizing biodiesel supports our local and state economies while promoting air quality. The staff at both Missouri Soybeans and Clean Fuels Alliance America were very helpful with educating and answering all of our mechanics and technical staff’s questions about the use of biodiesel, thereby facilitating a smooth transition to this product.”

Biodiesel will be utilized at Jefferson City’s Central Maintenance Facility, which supports the city’s public works, JeffTran transit division, and fire, police, and parks and recreation departments.

Biodiesel is produced from Missouri soybeans and delivers energy security and independence by diversifying the liquid-fuel portfolio. A recent World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services study demonstrates that biodiesel production generates a 4 percent decrease in the price of diesel fuel.

“Biodiesel comes from our Missouri soybean farmers, creating Missouri jobs and Missouri-made fuel,” said Kyle Durham, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council chair. “By fueling up with biodiesel, the City of Jefferson supports local farmers with a sustainable fuel option.”

Compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel, biodiesel has lower emissions—74 percent fewer lifecycle greenhouse gases on average, 47 percent less particulate matter and 67 percent fewer hydrocarbon emissions. It is the only renewable fuel to have fully completed the health-effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act.

Missouri currently produces roughly 250 million gallons of biodiesel each year, supporting more than 3,200 jobs and providing $1.3 billion in economic impact to the state.

The Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri works to support the commercial success of biodiesel across Missouri, growing opportunities for all involved in production and distribution, as well as those who use biodiesel, from farmers and biodiesel producers to fuel distributors and drivers. Learn more online at missouribiodiesel.org.

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is a statewide, farmer-led organization working to improve opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers though a combination of research, outreach, education and market-development efforts supported by the soy checkoff. Learn more online by exploring mosoy.org.

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean-fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America’s clean-energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.