Tenn. DOT to try biodiesel in some vehicles

[Thom Little]

The Tennessee Department of Transporation announced Thursday it will use biodiesel fuel in some of its vehicles in East Tennessee as a test before possibly expanding its use across the state.

"This will help us determine how biodiesel performs in harsh winter conditions," a memo from TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely says.

If the test is successful, biodiesel will be used in heavy equipment next spring in East Tennessee and then in other regions of the state.

The fuel blends traditional petroleum diesel fuel with other oils, such as vegetable oil or animal fats. Biodiesel produces fewer pollutants when burned than traditional diesel fuel.


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