The Village of Croton-on-Hudson announced it will transition its entire municipal diesel vehicle fleet to Renewable Diesel (RD). This decision follows the successful conclusion of a three-month pilot program that demonstrated the fuel’s compatibility with municipal vehicles and its significant environmental benefits. The cost of this transition will be covered by the Village’s sustainability fund and requires no contribution from taxpayers.
Croton-on-Hudson became one of the first municipalities in Westchester County to adopt this cleaner technology for its entire fleet. The initiative, developed in coordination with the Village’s Sustainability Committee and implemented by the Department of Public Works, provides a seamless “drop-in” replacement for petroleum diesel, requiring no modifications to existing vehicles or infrastructure.
All of the Village’s diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., garbage trucks and snow plows) now run on RD. Unlike traditional biodiesel, Renewable Diesel is a distinct fuel made from fats and oils (such as soybean or canola oil). These byproducts are processed to be chemically identical to petroleum diesel.
The Sustainability Committee has calculated that switching the entire fleet to renewable diesel will result in:
- Carbon Reduction: An annual reduction of approximately 186 metric tons of CO2 per year.
- Carbon Footprint: This single change accounts for roughly 12.5% of the Village’s total municipal carbon footprint.
- Air Quality: Based on the pilot results, the transition is also expected to further reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to respiratory issues and smog.
Renewable Diesel costs approximately $1 more per gallon than conventional petroleum diesel. Annually, the use of RD will cost the Village approximately $28,000. This will be paid for out of the Village’s dedicated sustainability fund, which is capitalized by the revenue of the community solar array on top of the DPW building. The fund currently has $69,395 and yearly revenue from the DPW array, which increases annually, is $26,382. Therefore, no general fund resources are needed to support the transition to RD.
“The transition to Renewable Diesel has been smooth and without issue. Our three-month pilot program ensured that our vehicles and equipment would accept the new fuel option without any mechanical modification or revisions to our maintenance schedule,” said Frank Balbi, Superintendent of Public Works, “Renewable Diesel now powers all of our diesel engines including snow plows, garbage trucks, and heavy equipment. We are able to continue providing a high-level of service to the Village with the added benefit of lowering our environmental impact.”
“The transition of the Village’s heavy vehicle fleet to Renewable Diesel is a major environmental milestone and the largest single measure taken by our village to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the long run, we need to electrify transportation and green our grid. The adoption of RD helps us mitigate our impact on the environment while that transition takes place,” said Lindsay Audin, Chair of the Sustainability Committee.
“We are in a climate emergency and we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without delay. Our pilot delivered significant, measurable results for our community. While we transition to an electric fleet, we must explore the cleanest fuel sources possible. Renewable diesel allows us to take immediate action to improve air quality and slash greenhouse gas pollution,” said Mayor Brian Pugh.
This transition builds on Croton-on-Hudson’s record as New York State’s top-ranked Clean Energy Community. Other recent environmental achievements include a 4.2 MW Solar Canopy at the train station, a solar array and heat pump controls at the Washington Engine firehouse, and the installation of EV chargers at the DPW garage, municipal building and train station.
The Village joins a growing list of forward-thinking jurisdictions using renewable diesel, including New York City, San Francisco, and Oakland. Locally, Westchester County also launched a pilot program recently to test the fuel at the county airport.
“Reducing emissions from our transportation sector is essential to combating the climate crisis and reducing air pollution. We applaud the launch of Croton-on-Hudson’s successful renewable diesel pilot program and transitioning their municipal fleet to Renewable Diesel. Renewable diesel provides immediate environmental and health benefits, which is why we should be doing everything we can to encourage its use, including a statewide clean fuel standard,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.
For more information on Croton-on-Hudson’s sustainability efforts, please visit the page for the Sustainability Committee on the Village website: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/sustainability-committee.
