1.  Why did you choose to switch to Biodiesel in the buses at UVa?

 

A: We chose to switch to biodiesel because it helps the environment and it will eventually reduce the cost of our fuel.  It is also a renewable gas so it has less pollution.

 

2.  Was the switch economically successful, as well as environmentally?

 

A:  Well, as biodiesel is much better for the environment than regular gas, the switch was naturally better for the environment, but since all the biodiesel we have in the world currently replaces 14% of the gas in the world...well...it was pretty successful economically.

 

3.  How do you see the growth of biodiesel impacting the environment in the next 20 years?

 

A:  The reduction of harmful emissions, especially hydrocarbon, and a source of renewable fuel will probably accompany the next 20 years of growth.  Soy oil is a domestic project, which means U.S. farmers make it, so it'll improve our economy as well.  It makes us less dependant on foreign nations, in a nutshell.

 

4.  Sounds like a win-win situation.  How long was this idea considered before actually taking place?

 

A:  There was a 90-day test that started on May 1st, 2005, in which three vehicles were run on B20 (fuel with a 20% of biodiesel blended in).  This tested efficiency, maintenence, and objective quantities.  After this test, there was a four-week contract period, and another four weeks after that until the contract took effect on September 26th.

 

5.  How long did it take you to make the change from gas to biodiesel?

 

A:  ...September 26th.