Truckers Not on Board with Biodiesel Increase
by Martin Cash (Brandon Sun) Province planning diesel-blend hike
Manitoba’s trucking industry is far from pumped over the possibility the province may increase the biodiesel mandate to five per cent.
Since early 2010, all diesel fuel sold in Manitoba must have an average two per cent blend of biodiesel.
The province is at the early stages of considering an increase to that level, something a provincial official said was always part of the plan.
According to the provincial government calculations, a five per cent biodiesel mandate in Manitoba will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 56,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of taking 11,200 cars off the road.
But truckers are concerned an increase to the blend might start gumming up engines because biodiesel has been known to get cloudy and gel at very low temperatures.
As it is, since biodiesel does not perform well in cold weather, to achieve a two per cent average the fuel companies deliver a blend closer to five per cent in the summer months and much less than two per cent in winter.
…”We are not opposed to alternative fuels as an industry,” (Bob) Dolyniuk (executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association) said. “My board is in support, but there’s certain criteria that have to be met.”
That criteria include: that it is equally or more efficient that diesel; the same price or better than diesel; does not affect operability or the warranty of the equipment; and demonstrates positive environmental impact.
