Biodiesel Backer Talks SF Into Oil Alternative

Biodiesel Backer Talks SF Into Oil Alternative
CBS 5 - San Francisco,CA,USA
(CBS 5) SAN FRANCISCO Brie Matthews is a backer of biodiesel, and she is a big reason that all MUNI trains, all fire ... Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil. ...

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 (CBS 5) SAN FRANCISCO Brie Matthews is a backer of biodiesel, and she is a big reason that all MUNI trains, all fire trucks and many San Francisco city-owned vehicles will soon run on a cleaner, more environmentally friendly fuel.

Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil. As a firefighter-paramedic for the city of San Francisco, Brie decided a few years ago that biodiesel is such a good alternative to fossil fuels, fire department engines, trucks and ambulances should be using it.

"We're in the business of saving lives, and on our way to saving lives, we're polluting them. I saw a contradiction in that,” Brie says.

It turned out to be cost effective, could cut down on pollution, and help ease dependence on foreign oil. But it's a tough sell to change bureaucratic thinking.

"For the first year, when I was trying to do it on my own, no one would listen. But I just kept at it and kept at it," says Brie.

She found a kindred sole in firefighter Mike Ferry, and together they continued their crusade. It officially ended Thursday. The Mayor, the fire chief, and other city officials announced that by the end of next year, all city diesel vehicle must run on the much cleaner burning blended fuel.

"The city uses right around 8 million gallons a year of diesel. So at a 20 per cent blend, that will be about 1.8 million gallons a year," says Eric Bowen of the S.F. Biodiesel Cooperative.

That will replace 1.8 million gallons of petroleum. The first fire trucks to use the stuff are housed in Bayview-Hunter's Point, the city's poorest neighborhood, one that has long complained of environmental neglect.

It's a change that comes about because Brie Matthews and Mike Ferry had a passion and never gave up, inspiring others who believe individuals actually can make a difference.