Lincoln to use B20 biodiesel in city fleet

By Scout Nelson

The City of Lincoln has been awarded funding from the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) to incorporate B20 biodiesel into its municipal fleet. This biodiesel incentive program marks a significant milestone in the City's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, replacing 215,000 gallons of petroleum diesel in nearly 130 fleet vehicles.

The main feedstock for biodiesel, which burns cleanly and is produced from renewable resources, is soybean oil. The term "B20" describes the 20% biodiesel mix included in a gallon of fuel. The B20 is a drop-in replacement that requires no modifications to the current infrastructure or equipment, allowing it to be utilized right away in the city fleet.

"We are grateful to the Nebraska Soybean Board for selecting Lincoln as a recipient of these funds,” said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. “Incorporating biodiesel into our fleet helps the city reduce our carbon footprint and advance our sustainability goals."

Kim Morrow, Chief Sustainability Officer with the City of Lincoln, highlighted the environmental benefits, noting that the lifecycle emissions of pure biodiesel are 74% lower than those of regular diesel. This transition aligns with Lincoln’s Climate Action Plan goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and to transition its fleet vehicles to 100% electric or alternatively fueled by 2040.

Making biodiesel from soybean oil not only lowers emissions but also helps Nebraska's agriculture industry. It helps farmers by adding around 13 % to the price per bushel of soybeans, and it also drives down the cost of soybean meal, which is crucial for animal farmers and the food chain.

“This partnership is a win-win for the City of Lincoln and Nebraska’s soybean farmers,” said Wesley Wach, NSB Demand and Utilization Coordinator. “It is great that our state’s capital city is turning to a homegrown, value-added product to help meet their goals.”

The partnership coincides with Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska, which emphasizes how clean biofuels can save consumers money, reduce dependence on foreign oil, boost the economy, and support jobs in rural communities.

Photo Credit: istock-oticki