The Lane County Clean Diesel project was born out of the need to establish a stable, reasonably-priced supply of ultra-low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel in Lane County, Oregon. The project was sponsored by Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, and was designated by Governor Ted Kulongoski as an Oregon Solutions project. Lane Metro Partnership headed the project. The project team brought together more than forty participants from the public and private sectors to bring clean fuel to Lane County.
The project’s Oregon Solutions designation ensured governor support, assistance, and the commitment to encourage the use of cleaner, more sustainable fuels. The project also gave recognition to entities making wise environmental choices for the future.
Objectives
- Organize large buyers (state agencies, city government, school districts, and private companies) and distributors of diesel fuel in order to create sufficient demand to cost-effectively bring ultra-low-sulfur diesel to Lane County in advance of 2006 Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
Results
- Bulk ultra-low-sulfur diesel is now available in Eugene, Oregon, from two bulk distributors: The Jerry Brown Company and Tyree Oil. Both distributors have added bulk storage tanks at their distribution sites, providing a stable supply of clean diesel to the community, at a combined cost of more than $160,000 in private funds. the Environmental Protection Agency provided $15,000 to each provider to help offset the installation costs.
- The community of Oakridge, Oregon, will be able to benefit from clean fuels as well, due to a commitment from Ed Staub & Sons Petroleum, Inc. to include ultra-low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel at its new card-lock refueling station in the city of Oakridge. The project, which received funding help from the Environmental Protection Agency, is expected to be completed by September.
- The team developed a logo and Clean Lane Fuel trademark for authorized use by fleets or individuals on promotional materials, vehicles, and in workplaces. Recognition license plate frames and bumper stickers will be supplied to participants as well. The recognition program will be transferred to Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority to continue implementation.