Snohomish County has partnered with General Biodiesel and PetroCard to provide increased opportunity to use renewable energy sources in its fleet vehicles.

Under the agreement, Snohomish County’s Fleet Management Division will have access to a higher blend of locally sourced and refined biodiesel at local PetroCard fuel stations.

The biodiesel will come from General Biodiesel, which produces low-carbon biodiesel that has been refined exclusively from renewable and recycled cooking oil from the region’s food-service businesses. These include nearly 150 local restaurants, hospitals, shopping centers, stadiums, corporate campuses, hotels and more.

Unique to this agreement is the use of canola that was farmed and pressed in Snohomish County. In addition to providing Snohomish County and PetroCard biodiesel derived from renewable and recycled feedstocks, General Biodiesel has used more than 650 gallons of canola oil from local farms for fuel production.

“When we were approached by Snohomish County to play a role in this unique regional collaboration we pushed our own team to see what was possible to exceed the client’s expectations,” said Jeff Haas, General Biodiesel’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are in the business of advancing the science of renewable fuels, and Snohomish County has been a great partner in this process.”

“We are trying to make environmentally-friendly, alternative fuel more convenient for fleets,” said Steve Tolton, CEO of PetroCard. “The direction of this country is headed toward these types of fuels and it’s important to support and make it available to those who want to use it.”

Snohomish County is a regional leader in the use of low-carbon fuels as part of its commitment to the greening of its taxpayer-supported vehicle fleet. Adjusting its blends for optimal performance based on seasonal variations, the county reduces the annual carbon emissions of its daily operations by using up to a 40-percent blend of biodiesel in its diesel vehicles. 

General Biodiesel is a Pacific Northwest renewable energy firm that aggregates, refines and transforms regionally generated feedstock into sustainable fuel.  

PetroCard, based in Kent, is a leading fuel distributor, selling to commercial fleets through a chain of unattended cardlocks and providing mobile fueling services.

Editors Note: Before jumping in to Bio-Diesel talk to your local diesel mechanic for advice. Bio-Diesel presents a unique set of issues that need to be addressed. If you do not gave a diesel shop to consult with call Lin Hill at Dynamic Diesel (360) 862-9009.