The city beaches and streets in Long Beach, California are going to be kept clean by using a greener fuel.
This story from the Long Beach Post-Telegram says biodiesel is the fuel of choice, debuted during a news conference hosted by Mayor Bob Foster and Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal:
In all, some 200 vehicles are part of the initial transition, and Foster and Lowenthal were on hand to showcase 10 vehicles used in beach maintenance that use the biodiesel blend as fuel.
City officials predict the new biodiesel program will reduce carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions.
Lowenthal made the push for biodiesel blends in January and Tuesday, she thanked the mayor for his support in getting the program under way in a timely manner.
“I’m very, very excited that we’re making this move,” she said. “It’s one step at a time.”
Carlos V. Velasquez, acting manager of the fleet service bureau of Public Works, said that the fleet that’s been introduced to the new biodiesel program includes skip loaders, tractors, dump trucks, and vehicles used by street maintenance, gas department and Parks, Recreation and Marine workers.
The article goes on to say that besides biodiesel, the city’s “Green Fleet” is also being changed out to run on natural gas, propane, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles.