http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Oct01/09Oct0105.html October 9, 2001 - Yosemite Concession Services Corp. to Use Biodiesel Fuel in Valley Shuttle Bus Fleet
Environmental Initiative Expected to Reduce Harmful Exhaust Emissions YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif., Oct. 9 -/E-Wire/-- Yosemite Concession Services Corp. (YCS) has initiated a 30-day test program to evaluate biodiesel fuel for use in the Valley shuttle bus fleet that serves the 3.5 million annual visitors to Yosemite National Park. This undertaking continues YCS' partnership with the National Park Service to pursue alternative energy sources in order to reduce pollution and preserve the park's natural and cultural resources. If successful, the environmentally friendly fuel will be employed on a permanent basis in the shuttle fleet as well as in all YCS vehicles. Biodiesel, which is produced from soybean and other vegetable oils, has been shown to reduce the level of harmful emissions, resulting in a dramatic improvement in air quality. The blend to be used by YCS (80 percent traditional diesel, 20 percent biodiesel) is expected to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide by 9 percent, particulate matter by 20 percent, hydrocarbons by 15 percent, and sulfur oxides and sulfates entirely. The overall ozone-forming (smog) potential of the emissions will be cut by 10 percent. "We are grateful to the National Park Service for contributing equipment and resources that were instrumental in getting this project off the ground," said YCS President Cindy L. Bower. YCS operates the fifth-largest transportation system in the country, in terms of people moved per mile. The biodiesel demonstration project is the latest in a series of initiatives comprising the company's award-winning GreenPath program, an environmental management program designed to align YCS business activities with environmentally sound practices. According to Bower, "GreenPath enhances our ability to provide top-quality service to the millions that visit Yosemite without compromising the park's delicate ecological balance. Using biodiesel in our shuttle fleet is a natural extension of GreenPath." Biodiesel has been used with great success in transit fleets in major cities including St. Louis and San Francisco. In over 30 million miles of on-road use, biodiesel blends have performed well, showing fuel consumption, horsepower, torque and haulage rates similar to conventional diesel fuels. In addition to reducing harmful emissions, biodiesel is a significantly better lubricator than traditional diesel, and can contribute to extending engine life. Benefits go beyond the reduction of harmful emissions. Produced domestically, the fuels reduce reliance on imported oil; and because the raw materials used to produce biofuels are renewable, they provide insurance against exhausting a finite supply of fossil fuels. Initiatives such as YCS' conversion to biodiesel in its shuttle fleet also help to promote the continued development of this all-important technology. "We're confident that this effort will prove a success. As a result, air quality will be enhanced, the vehicles will benefit from the improved performance of the fuel, and we'll know that we are doing what we can to protect the environment," said Robert Concienne, YCS Director of Transportation and Guest Services. YCS' GreenPath program was recently honored as one of California's Top 10 for outstanding waste reduction and recycling practices. The company operates hotels and lodging, food and beverage services, gift and grocery stores, and provides recreation and transportation services in Yosemite as an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. SOURCE: Yosemite Concession Services Corp. -0- 10/9/2001 /CONTACT: Karen Hales of Yosemite Concession Services Corp., +1-209-372-1492, or [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Public Information Number, +1-209-372-1000/ /Web site: http://www.YosemitePark.com/ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Get your FREE credit report with a FREE CreditCheck Monitoring Service trial http://us.click.yahoo.com/Gi0tnD/bQ8CAA/ySSFAA/FGYolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Please do NOT send "unsubscribe" messages to the list address. To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
