The city of Gaithersburg is switching to biodiesel to help clean up the air. This initiative started last month, and now 98 trucks are 20% freer of fossil fuels.

For anyone that still doesn’t know some the benefits of biodiesel please check out this post.

The fastest growing alternative fuel source, biodiesel — which in this area is made primarily from soy beans — reduces carbon dioxide emissions and cuts down on harmful sulfur that contributes to greenhouse gases.

‘‘When it comes down to it, it’s better for engines and better for the environment,” said Jim Arnoult, director of Gaithersburg’s Department of Public Works.

The city estimates that they will use 10,000 gallons less of regular diesel a year. Assuming they continue to use 52,000 gallons like 2005.

As Gaithersburg looks to go more ‘‘green” — touting its first energy efficient building recently and adding two hybrid cars to its fleet — biodiesel is the natural next step, Arnoult adds.

‘‘We’ve been considering it on and off for over a year,” Arnoult said. ‘‘We think it just made sense.”

Source: gazette.net