lon, or $200. Tis, essentially, made the use of biodiesel by public entities in this state a budget neutral,” explained Biluck, adding that reimbursements had apparently been suspended due to New Jersey’s current economic crisis. A total of 62 school buses, two pick-up trucks and all of the
district’s diesel-powered, off-road equipment run on biodies- el, a benefit of the fuel’s compatibility with all diesel engines. Tere was no need for any engine modifications, and only some basic pre-integration activity had to be performed in preparation to using biodiesel. “Fuel storage tanks must be inspected to ensure they are free
ONE OF BIODIESEL’S BIGGEST FANS When Medford Township Public Schools first began using
biodiesel on Nov. 17, 1997, district officials didn’t even give a thought to the fact that one day they would be the nation’s lon- gest continuous user of biodiesel in a school bus fleet. “I have had the privilege to speak to a number of organiza-
tions throughout the county to share our biodiesel experience,” said Joe Biluck, Jr., the director of operations and technology for the New Jersey district. “Our use of biodiesel has far exceeded my expectations. It has also expanded our understanding of the many benefits renewable energy can bring to an operation in terms of energy security, environmental improvements and significant costs savings.” Due to the success of the program, biodiesel was added to the
New Jersey State Contract purchasing program in 2002, which al- lows public entities the opportunity to purchase various blends of biodiesel, up to 20 percent, without the burden of bidding on the product individually. Te state also created an incentive called the New Jersey Biodiesel Rebate program that reimburses public enti- ties the incremental difference between the cost of conventional ultra low sulfur diesel and biodiesel. “For instance, if I purchase 1,000 gallons of B20 at $2.80 per gal-
lon, and the cost of No. 2 diesel fuel, at the same time, was $2.60 per gallon, the state would reimburse the district $0.20 per gal-
from water or contamination,” advised Biluck. “If these measures are not taken, biodiesel will begin to breakdown any solids in fuel storage and/or vehicle storage tanks. Tis material will then be- gin to clog dispensing and engine fuel filters.” Te mechanics on staff have needed little training on the fuel.
But, according to Biluck, in the early years of the program there was a significant amount of misinformation as to engine warran- ty protection, cold weather use, engine modification, and so on. But all biodiesel now meets an exact commercial specification under ASTM D6751. Tat makes the future of the fuel “glowing and getting brighter,” according to Biluck. “Over the past several years not only has the use of biodiesel
grown in New Jersey, a number of districts are now users,” he said, adding that an interruption in the federal tax credit for biodiesel blenders last year hurt the biodiesel industry. But, that credit was reinstated in December with the passage
and signing of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Re- authorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Te tax incentive retroactively extends though the end of this year. “Tis along with the latest national renewable fuels standards
will undoubtedly rejuvenate and reignite the biodiesel industry,” added Biluck. And Medford Township Public Schools will be sitting back
smiling with the knowledge that they have been there since the beginning.
www.stnonline.com 57
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