Biodiesel School Buses How biodiesel can help local school districts save money, improve health, and reduce emissions Nathan Sacks Georgia Institute of Technology July 31, 2013
Outline 1. Background a. Diesel Fuel b. Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) c. Biodiesel 2. Current Policy 3. Biodiesel Potential a. Implementation b. Economic Analysis 4. Recommendations 5. Conclusion
Background Diesel Fuel Schools spent over $3 billion on fuel in 2012 2012: average price of diesel was 3.5x that of 1995 On average, 14% increase per year
Background Diesel Fuel Some school buses in operation for up to 20 years Recommended lifespan: 12 years Diesel Emissions CO 2, NO X, SO X, particulate matter Respiratory Effects Children disproportionately affected Developing respiratory system n Higher respiratory rates n Narrower airways Increased exposure n Particulate matter higher on buses than normal exposure n Up to 5-15x more emissions
Background DERA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Passed with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, renewed in 2010 Goal: Reduce diesel particulate emissions Revolving loans, competitive grants Every $1 spent returns $13 in health and environmental benefits 60 40 20 0 DERA Funding ($, millions) 49.2 60 60 49.9 29.9 20 6 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014*
Background Biodiesel Made from vegetable oil and can be blended with diesel B20 = 20% Biodiesel, 80% Diesel Vegetable oil converted through chemical process
Background Biodiesel Tested technology Warrantied up to B20 Higher-percentage blends can deteriorate parts in older vehicles, problems in cold weather Compared to diesel: Reduced cost with the use of waste vegetable oil Reduced emissions n B20: -10% particulate matter, -11% CO, -15% CO 2, -21% unburned hydrocarbons n B100: -47% particulate matter, -48% CO, -75% CO 2, -67% unburned hydrocarbons
Background Biodiesel Follows cost of diesel Average price difference between diesel and B20: $0.13
Current Policy DERA focuses on maximum emission reduction, not cost savings Waste vegetable oil disposed of according to necessary regulation Biodiesel blends used in school buses in a few locations around the country
Third Party Support of Biodiesel No Fuel Liability No Upfront Cost Higher Fuel Cost Medford Township, NJ School buses on biodiesel since 1997 B20 maintenance : -$0.02/mile -$0.14/gallon Economic Analysis of B20: = $8 million/year savings from reduced maintenance costs
School District Supplier Partnership No Fuel Liability No Upfront Cost Reduced Fuel Cost Economic Analysis of B20: $345 million/year savings from reduced fuel costs $115 million/year savings from reduced maintenance costs = $460 million/year savings total
Locally Managed Biodiesel Production Fuel Liability High Upfront Cost Significantly Reduced Fuel Cost Hoover, AL Collects oil from restaurants and households Makes B100 for $0.70-$0.80/gallon Return on investment in 200 days Economic Analysis of B20: $527 million/year savings from reduced fuel costs $115 million/year savings from reduced maintenance costs - upfront infrastructure cost = $642 million/year savings total
Biodiesel Potential Third Party Support Medford Township, NJ No Fuel Liability No Upfront Cost Higher Fuel Cost School District Supplier Partnership No Fuel Liability No Upfront Cost Reduced Fuel Cost Locally Managed Biodiesel Production Hoover, AL Fuel Liability High Upfront Cost Significantly Reduced Fuel Cost
Biodiesel Potential Economic Analysis of B20 B20 retail fuel costs: +$0.13/gallon compared to diesel B20 maintenance costs: -$0.02/mile compared to diesel -$0.14/gallon Third Party Support = $8 million/year savings from reduced maintenance costs School District Supplier Partnership $345 million/year savings from reduced fuel costs $115 million/year savings from reduced maintenance costs = $460 million/year savings total Locally Managed Biodiesel Production $527 million/year savings from reduced fuel costs $115 million/year savings from reduced maintenance costs - upfront infrastructure cost = $642 million/year savings total
Recommendations EPA regional offices: compile list of waste vegetable oil disposal amounts Initial pilot program Biodiesel production feasibility studies Third party support where biodiesel supplier exists Urban areas Locally managed biodiesel production Rural areas DERA funding to provide assistance with upfront costs Implement waste vegetable oil recycling program Restore DERA funding
Conclusion Potential fuel cost savings Can range from breakeven to >$600 million/year Significant public health savings Reduced emissions Improved children s health No bus modifications required
Acknowledgments Special Thanks To: Melissa Carl, ASME Government Relations Dr. Adam Christensen, Johns Hopkins University, Mentor Dr. Gail Marcus, Faculty Member in Residence