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A study by a large over-the-road carrier supports the use of biodiesel.

Iowa-based Decker Truck Line, Inc., with more than 700 semis out on the road and nine terminals in five states, is the first major trucking company to compare a soy biodiesel B20 blend to regular diesel in a comprehensive over-the-road test covering two million miles.

So far, 350,000 miles have been covered, and according to a National Biodiesel Board news release, so good:

“What we’ve observed so far is great performance in the particularly cold winter we just experienced, and reduced maintenance and engine wear benefits that equal or outweigh the slightly higher cost of the biodiesel blend,” [says Dale Decker, Industry & Government Relations Director for Decker Truck Line.]

In fact, Decker says they’ve observed cleaner engine oil, less engine wear, decreased maintenance, and good performance in cold weather as low as the single digits.

The National Biodiesel Board is happy with the results as well:

“We are pleased that Decker Tuck Line has taken on this project to test biodiesel in real-world conditions,” said Tom Verry, Director of Outreach and Development for NBB. “This over-the-road study of biodiesel will help trucking companies and independent truckers gain a better understanding of the effect of biodiesel on their fleet.”

Mileage and efficiency results of the study won’t be released until after the two million miles is completed.

Biodiesel got a boost when diesel engine making giant Cummins approved 20% biodiesel for many of its engines.

In a news release, Cummins says it moved up from its previous recommendation of 5% biodiesel (B5) three main reasons:

First, the American Society of Testing Materials specification ASTM D6751 now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel. Second, the availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is growing rapidly; and third, Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using B20 fuel.

“We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our engine,” said Edward Lyford-Pike, Chief Engineer – Advanced Alternative Fuel Programs. “This will enable our customers to have a choice that includes renewable fuel.”

In another release, the National Biodiesel Board applauded the decision:

“Cummins’ announcement is a major milestone for diesel equipment-maker acceptance of biodiesel,” said Steve Howell, National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Technical Director. “Cummins is among the leaders in the on-highway truck engine market. As knowledgeable consumers add ‘support for B20’ in their purchasing decisions for diesel vehicles, the smart companies are taking advantage of that and issuing B20 support as a way to capture this growing sentiment for using fuels we don’t have to import.”

Indiana-based Cummins sells products in more than 160 countries through 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer.

A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists says that construction equipment is one of the largest sources of diesel pollution in California.

But there is a better way. The National Biodiesel Board says cleaner-burning biodiesel could help construction companies reduce their impact. It cites two companies… Manatt’s in Iowa and North Bay Construction in California… and their positive experiences with biodiesel in their heavy equipment. NBB has posted some of their testimonials here.

The Union of Concerned Scientists praises the construction companies’ actions:

UCS Clean Vehicles Engineer Don Anair says biodiesel has an important role to play in helping to clean up construction sites. “Refueling with cleaner alternatives like biodiesel combined with other particulate controls is an excellent solution for reducing harmful diesel exhaust particulates from construction and off-road diesel equipment,” says Anair, “We applaud proactive efforts of companies like North Bay Construction and Manatt’s in helping to realize our shared goal of cleaner and healthier air and urge others to follow their lead.”

Just as I finished the last post about the biodiesel essay contest for high school seniors in Minnesota, Bob Moffitt with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest let me know there’s also an essay contest for younger students in Iowa.

The Iowa Soybean Association and the American Lung Association in Iowa (part of the Upper Midwest division) is offering a biodiesel essay contest for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders:

”The essay contest is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in Iowa and focuses on how biodiesel affects human and environmental health,” said Jessica Zopf, contest manager. “All entries must be at least 200 words long and be received at the American Lung Association office in Des Moines no later than May 1, 2007.”

Everyone who submits an essay receives two collectable wristbands from the American Lung Association of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association. Three state winners in each grade get a $50 iTunes gift card.

Get your entry forms and information at CleanAirChoice.org… just click on the “Iowa Biodiesel Essay Contest” box. Entries can be mailed to: Jessica Zopf, American Lung Association of Iowa, 5601 Douglas Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50310.

Good luck!