New York City awarded Approved Oil Co ., Brooklyn , N . Y ., a contract to supply renewable diesel to the fleets of various New York City agencies , including Sanitation , Police , Fire , Environmental Protection , Transportation , Parks and Recreation , and Correction .

“ By powering these essential agency fleets with renewable diesel , Approved Oil Company is playing a pivotal role in driving down carbon emissions and contributing to the realization of New York City ’ s ambitious green initiatives ,” Approved Oil said in a statement . The renewable diesel is derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils , animal fats , and used cooking oil . It is molecularly the same as petroleum-based diesel and it meets ASTM International ’ s standard for Diesel Fuel Oils ( D-975 ), Approved said . The fuel provides a seamless transition for existing diesel engines operated by the city , emitting fewer pollutants and greenhouse gasses than conventional diesel , the company said .

“ This momentous partnership with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility ,” said Vincent Theurer , Approved Oil ’ s president and CEO . “ We are extremely proud to lead the charge in providing cleaner fuel alternatives that align with the city ’ s green objectives . This collaboration underscores our dedication to a greener , healthier future for all New Yorkers .”

Chris Fazio , Approved Oil ’ s executive vice president , said the contract is for a two-year term , with a renewal option . A domestic refiner provides the fuel to Approved , Fazio said .

“ The great story about this is we ’ re a Brooklyn-born company . We ’ re homegrown . We have over two hundred employees ,” said Dan Falcone , regional sales manager for Approved . “ It is great news ,” Falcone said . He said that he has traveled the East Coast , speaking at Clean City events in Philadelphia and

Washington , “ to get people to understand the value of this product .”

Falcone noted that Soundview Energy and Nicholas Fazano Jr ., were critical to Approved Oil ’ s successful efforts .

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Citywide

Administrative Services ( DCAS ) Commissioner Dawn M . Pinnock outlined a plan Nov . 29 to make New York City the first city on the East Coast to transition all heavy-duty vehicles in the city ’ s fleet from fossil to renewable fuel . The city ’ s fleet currently includes more than 12,600 on- and off-road trucks and specialized equipment that operate on diesel fuel — but by the end of Fiscal Year 2024 , they will all operate on renewable diesel . Here is an excerpt from a statement issued by the city :

Renewable diesel is proven to reduce carbon emissions and will replace up to 16 million gallons of fossil fuel used every year to power the city ’ s heavyduty fleet , which includes garbage trucks and ambulances . After the full rollout of 16 million gallons of renewable diesel , the city will have cut 128 billion grams of carbon dioxide pollution each year . The transition began this past September , with 2.5 million gallons of renewable diesel already used across heavy-duty vehicles .

“ New York City continues to lead the way for the rest of the country by making our vehicles cleaner , greener , and safer ,” said Mayor Adams . “ From our vehicles to our buildings and our food , we are making sustainability a critical component of all the work we do . This is the ‘ Get Sustainability Done ’ administration , and we will continue to serve as a model for cities across the globe in combating climate

change while still delivering vital government services to New Yorkers every day .”

“ New York City is proud to run on clean , renewable diesel and play our critical role in protecting the planet ,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright . “ By transitioning to renewable diesel with our heavy-duty vehicles , we are reducing dangerous greenhouse gas emissions and keeping our air clean . This change exemplifies the Adams administration ’ s steadfast commitment to addressing climate change and delivering environmental justice by taking an innovative , forward-thinking approach .”

The renewable fuel provides a seamless transition for existing diesel engines operated by the city , emitting fewer pollutants and greenhouse gasses than conventional diesel .

“ City government must be the change we want to see , leading the way in our city ’ s green energy transition ,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi . “ This commitment to renewable diesel is a major milestone in our broad strategy to transition city operations to green and clean energy and do our part in protecting our planet ’ s limited resources .” l FON www . fueloilnews . com | FUEL OIL NEWS | JANUARY 2024 17