TriMet Inspiring Use of BioDiesel by Danielle Hunt

TriMet Sustainability Program

Environmental Studies

Warner Pacific College

April 5, 2014

ABSTRACT

The purpose of  this analysis is to identify key concepts of TriMet's utilization of Biodiesel and its effect on society . This essay will establish the economic impact of public transportation and the opportunities that TriMet took lower their carbon footprint on the earth.

            In the United States, one of the first advancements in bio-fuel is a clean burning diesel replacement called Biodiesel. The American dream was to reduce dependence on diesel being imported from other countries. The research and development of biodiesel resulted in success by creating green jobs and improving the environment. Biodiesel is made with anything from agricultural oils, recycled cooking oil, animal fat all of which meet a certain specification. One such company that has made this exact plunge into the future from our hometown of Portland Oregon is TriMet. (National Biodiesel Board, 2014 )

            TriMet started their venture ten years ago in the realm of Biodiesel ten years ago and their statistics do not disappoint. In order to conserve fuel and lower emission impact on the environment, TriMet established Biodiesel for their buses and Electricity for their Max line. By using improved fuel alternatives in buses the benefits of biodiesel reduced greenhouse gases, reduced dependence on foreign oil, moderate price swings for petroleum-based diesel and helped build the biodiesel industry. The long term results are undeniable. The emissions from 1988 emission levels are at 10.7 to 2010 where levels dropped to 0.01, the metrics speak for themselves. (TriMet Buisness Department, 2014)

            In my opinion, today's society is inspired by the variety of concepts used to limit usage of our natural resources. There are those that would differ, however as more awareness is raised and accessible for utilization on a daily basis is the mark of a more efficient society. The challenges that we face specifically are our very own personal vehicles. It is the single largest contributor and the solution is accessible with the simple purchase of a five dollar all day ticket to get you to and from your job. Other companies around Portland that also make advancements towards a green future by supporting TriMet's efforts contribute by charging for public and private parking. For example, OHSU charges parking to their employees to encourage public transit, the Portland Air National Guard base requires that members to get their DEQ emissions check for Personally Owned vehicles, and parking downtown on a night at the Rose Garden for a Blazer Game charges at least fifteen dollars for a couple of hours. Ideally, the middle class will be economically savvy enough to discover paying for parking is just not worth it when you can take the train.

Bibliography

(2014, Mar). Retrieved Mar 2014, from Ecological Footprint: www.myfootprint.org/

Laposata, J. W. (2014). Environmental. Glenview: Pearson.

National Biodiesel Board. (2014 , Jan). BioDiesel America's Advanced Biofuel. Retrieved Apr 2014, from Paratherm Corporation: http://www.biodiesel.org/

TriMet Buisness Department. (2014, Jan). Conserving Fuel and Reducing Emissions. Retrieved April 2014, from TriMet: http://trimet.org/sustainable/fuel-emissions