Testimonial: LaConner School District
I am in my third year as Transportation Supervisor for LaConner School District, and a bus driver and parapro for thirteen years. I have always been concerned about the health and safety of children and our environment. I am also a mother and support physical and outdoor education and environmental learning.
It has become clear to me that we have a moral obligation to our future generations to fight pollution, global warming and improve the health of the earth and our children. So to mitigate the effects of diesel air pollution, I proposed a pilot program to run one bus on biodiesel for one year and to make performance comparisons on mileage and other effects on maintenance. Accordingly, I would record and evaluate the results to encourage further use for more busses.
The B20 blend our supplier at Rexville Store carries is 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. It is considered the most adaptable blend for most vehicles as most standard diesel engines can run on the fuel with no modifications. According to the EPA, the cleaner chemical properties may emit 10% less poison carbon monoxide gas and 15% less particulate matter, which are tiny solid or liquid particulates that can get into the lungs. B20 may also produce 10% fewer hydrocarbons, a key ingredient for smog and 20% lower sulfate emissions.
Effective June 1, 2009, 20% of all diesel purchased and used by state agencies for operating diesel-powered vehicles must be biodiesel. Even though this does not apply to school districts, I feel we need to follow suit to initiate change to help in this proactive transition towards a cleaner environment and supporting a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources.
I have had good success so far with little effects on maintenance. I have received encouragement from parents who appreciate the efforts of the district to help fight increasing rates of asthma in our students. I hope more school districts will consider changing to this alternative.
Jane Stephens
Transportation Supervisor
La Conner School District #311
360.202.6426
jstephens@lcsd.wednet.edu
January 2007
