As Bronx Sees Rise in Particulate Matter, Study Shows Biodiesel Would Create Immediate and Affordable Improvements

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - In light of a recent Columbia University study showing fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in the Bronx is rising, Clean Fuels Alliance America is reminding New Yorkers of a 2024 study that shows exactly how using biodiesel in place of diesel fuel could immediately lower particulate matter and reduce instances of health challenges including asthma, cancer and more.

The 2024 study "Assessment of Health Benefits From Using Biodiesel Fuel for On-Road Transportation Sources - Bronx, NY" found that switching heavy-duty vehicles to biodiesel would lower diesel particulate emissions around 72%. The study was conducted by Trinity Consultants for Clean Fuels Alliance America.

"Adjusting traffic patterns simply moves the air quality problems from one area to another," said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen. "The real solution to urban health problems caused by air quality is to simply switch to a cleaner fuel. Increasing biodiesel use would immediately improve air quality for all New Yorkers, including those in the Bronx, at little to no cost and no significant changes to either trucks or fueling infrastructure."

The effects of lowering particulate matter through biodiesel use include reductions in major health challenges such as:

• Asthma: reduction of 204 incidents
• Lung cancer: reduction of 11 incidents
• Mortality (all cause): reduction of 73 incidents
• Work loss days: reduction of 12,566 incidents

"There are concrete steps officials can take today to improve air quality," Rehagen said. "For example, New York could transition its fleet of 50,000 school buses to biodiesel or renewable diesel now, delivering immediate and affordable emissions reductions and public health benefits for school children and communities across the state."

Materials supported by the United Soybean Board, soybean farmers and their checkoffs.

ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America's clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.

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