JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Soybeans is powering the City of Jefferson 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 the City of Jefferson’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 (WAEES) study demonstrates that biodiesel production generates a 4% 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 (MSMC) 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% fewer lifecycle greenhouse gases on average, 47% less particulate matter and 67% 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.
— Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council