New Jersey Natural Gas to switch 32 trucks, construction vehicles to biodiesel

In New Jersey, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) will switch 32 trucks and additional construction vehicles to B20 biodiesel, and switch a further 17 trucks following completion of a biodiesel storage tank.

“As a public utility, we have a large number of vehicles on the road,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. “Using biodiesel is a logical next step for us as we continue to identify ways to protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from agricultural resources such as soybean oil that works with existing diesel engines. NJNG will be using the fuel in a blended form known as B20, which is composed of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel and is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 10 percent according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Their effort is highly commendable,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of the New Jersey Sustainable State Institute. “These technologies are still young, and this type of biodiesel may or may not be a big part of our efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in the future. But, NJR’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, and their willingness to take meaningful steps right now, is an example that other New Jersey businesses should follow.”

The first delivery of biodiesel arrived at NJNG’s William L. Maude Service Center and will provide fuel for 32 trucks and numerous pieces of construction equipment. The utility also has plans to install a biodiesel tank at its John J. Mount Service Center in Lakewood in the near future which will fuel another 17 trucks.

NJNG’s switch to biodiesel was spurred by its parent company, New Jersey Resources (NJR). In March, NJR became the first company in the state to embrace New Jersey’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020. Since that time, the company has taken several steps that will reduce its emissions while evaluating many other options.

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