Many individuals and organizations are seeking ways to reduce their “carbon footprint.”

The City of Little Rock is doing this as well. One method is the use of bio-diesel fuel blends.

On May 20, the City of Little Rock Board of Directors passed a resolution authorizing the City to use bio-diesel fuel blends.

The resolution states that each year, between the dates of October 1 and March 31, diesel vehicles will operate on a minimum of B10 blend and between the dates of April 1 and September 30, diesel vehicles will operate on a minimum of B20 blend.

According to Wendell Jones, Director of Fleet Services for the City of Little Rock, “The resolution was approved with consideration to several factors, including:

· Domestically produced biodiesel can mitigate dependence on petroleum imported from politically unstable regions of the world · Bioblends can reduce harmful emissions

· The City of Little Rock desires to provide leadership in the use of biodiesel by operating its heavy-duty diesel powered fleet vehicles on biodiesel blends when financially feasible.

 The City of Little Rock Fleet Services Department is the Department responsible for purchasing fuel for City vehicles. The Fleet Services Department requested and recommended approval of this resolution.

This Department has received national recognition for their working environment and productivity, with a 7th place ranking in the 100 Best Fleets of North America program, and the program sponsors, Government Fleet Magazine, CCG Systems / Faster Fleet Management, Chrysler Fleet Commercial, Ekhaus Fleet and INVERS Innovative Mobility Solutions.

Among the 12 judging criteria for this recognition is Resource Stewardship, stating applicants must have a plan in place for maximizing the utilization of all resources and applicants must demonstrate concern for the environment.

The City of Little Rock Fleet Services Department is also responsible for purchasing all City vehicles and equipment and has set a goal that 10% of the City’s rolling fleet will be alternatively fueled vehicles by the conclusion of purchasing for 2009.