DTE Embraces Biodiesel

by Jaime Pfeffer

May 8th, 2008 in Conservation, Detroit, Environment, Green

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A conventional energy company is not the first business I would suspect of going green, so I was surprised to find out that DTE Energy is currently taking steps to do just that. On Tuesday, the energy giant announced plans to lessen its environmental footprint by converting its 800 diesel-fueled trucks and service vehicles to cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel.

According to the EPA, switching from 100% petroleum diesel fuel to a mix of petroleum diesel and 20% biodiesel fuel will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent. (I’d love to see a switch to 100% biodiesel, but hey — 20% is the new industry standard and it is a start). Biodiesel also reduces particulate matter — an emission linked to asthma and other diseases — and carbon monoxide, compared to conventional diesel fuel. In addition, the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when biodiesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuel.

Along with the environmental benefits, DTE expects to save about $600,000 a year as a result of the change.

DTE will obtain the biodiesel from RKA Petroleum, a Romulus-based firm and one of 10 Michigan companies to be named to the 2007 edition of Inc.’s “500 Fastest Growing Firms” list.

One of Detroit's biggest cheerleaders, Jaime Pfeffer moved to the Motor City from suburban Detroit five years ago. She started a blog, Girl in the D, in September 2004 to promote the positive aspects of Detroit and hasn't stopped touting Motown's good side since. Jaime left corporate America in 2007 to pursue her first love, writing.