Berkeley Goes Green

Leslie Bakun

Berkeley, Calif. -- City officials announced plans to use 100 percent biodiesel fuel in its garbage trucks and fire engines. In January, 180 of Berkeley’s 200 diesel-powered vehicles were converted to biodiesel fuel, which required no engine adjustments. Converting from diesel fuel to biodiesel will increase the city’s budget by an estimated $150,000, according to the city.

Most of Berkeley’s vehicles have diesel engines while the rest run on either compressed natural gas, or contain electric or hybrid engines. Approximately 20 vehicles in hilly areas are not using biodiesel fuels because it is too difficult to reach refueling stations.