Gov. Rounds Issues Executive Order for the Use of Biodiesel
Gov. Rounds Issues Executive Order for the Use of Biodiesel
Paves the way for development of processing capacity in SD
Gov. Mike Rounds has today signed Executive Order 2006-01, promoting biodiesel use by the State of South Dakota. Additionally, the governor directed the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) to stock and use biodiesel-blended fuel which meets technical specifications whenever it is available and financially prudent to do so.
"The use of biodiesel is good for agriculture, good for economic development, good for the environment and good for the taxpayer," said Gov. Rounds on the announcement. "State government is obligated to reduce expenses and operate in the most economical, cost-effective and environmentally beneficial way possible, including the operation and maintenance of vehicles. The use of biodiesel in our state fleet helps us do that."
The SDDOT initiated a study in 2002, to determine the impact that a biodiesel blend might have on its vehicle fleet. In results released late last year, a technical panel for the study recommended the use of a 2% biodiesel blend to meet the lubricity requirements needed for ultra low sulfur diesel fuel usage. The SDDOT currently operates more than 1,200 diesel powered vehicles and uses approximately 1 million gallons of diesel fuel per year.
The SDDOT study revealed that comparing fuel and maintenance costs, there is a positive cost per mile difference in favor or a biodiesel blended fuel. The savings are realized primarily through lower maintenance costs due to the increased lubricity of biodiesel blended fuel.
Todd Jongeling, President of the South Dakota Soybean Association said, "Leading by example, Gov. Rounds is sending a positive message to South Dakotans in realizing the importance of biodiesel to soybean producers while enhancing our energy security. Soybean producers commend Gov. Rounds for making a commitment to home-grown biodiesel, while taking an important step in promoting value-added agriculture development in South Dakota."
http://www.state.sd.us/governor/