NAFA Member Richard Battersby, CAFM®, Says Oakland Is Happy With Renewable Diesel

Recently, the City of Oakland, CA became the first major city in the U.S. to convert its entire diesel fleet to renewable diesel. Oakland’s Equipment Services Division Manager Richard Battersby, CAFM®, led the charge to go green. Battersby, a longtime NAFA Member, said his city opted for the non-food chain fuel after carefully consulting the California Air Resources Board as well as other civic leaders. He also pointed out UPS’ decision to use renewable diesel.

In an interview with the Hard Working Trucks website, Battersby said, "When UPS commits to something they have studied it inside and out," Battersby said. "If it doesn’t make sense or has risk, they will not use the technology. Mike Britt (UPS maintenance director) runs a tight ship."

It’s been about two months since the Northern California city began filling up all of its 250 diesel vehicles and machines with Neste’s NEXBTL renewable diesel. Neste, which credits Oakland for being the first major city in the U.S. to switch completely from petroleum-based diesel to renewable diesel, reports that their alternative fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60 to 85 percent. That’s an impressive reduction, especially considering that Oakland’s fleet annually consumes roughly 230,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Other ways that Oakland’s fleet has gone green includes the use of all-electric and CNG vehicles.

"Renewable diesel is a drop-in fuel that completely blends with existing diesel and is approved for use as a diesel fuel by the Air Resources Board (CARB) and the (California) State Water Resources Control Board," Battersby said. "It easily replaces standard petroleum diesel fuel with no expensive equipment modifications and no expensive infrastructure changes required. Here in California it can be used in existing underground diesel storage tanks without a special permit unlike most biodiesel blends (which is a huge benefit) and it costs about the same or less than standard diesel or biodiesel.

"It can also be used in any diesel powered vehicle or equipment, even those where traditionally fleet managers have had no alternative fuel options such as off-road vehicles, construction equipment, auxiliary engines, generators, etc. To summarize, it’s cleaner burning, displaces petroleum consumption, costs about the same, and can be used in all existing diesel fuel tanks and vehicles at no additional cost, converting the entire diesel fleet to alternative fuel overnight."

The complete article with Richard Battersby can be read here: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/fleet-manager-feedback-oakland-remains-happy-with-renewable-diesel/